X-ray Diffraction to 302 Gigapascals: High-Pressure Crystal Structure of Cesium Iodide

X-ray diffraction measurements have been carried out on cesium iodide (CsI) to 302 gigapascals with a platinum pressure standard. The results indicate that above 200 gigapascals CsI at 300 K has a hexagonal close-packed crystal structure with the ideal c/a ratio of 1.63 +/- 0.01. The crystal structure and pressure-volume relations converge at high pressure with those of solid xenon, which is isoelectronic with CsI. The results indicate a significant loss of ionic bonding in the hexagonal close-packed metallic phase of CsI at ultrahigh pressure.

Color Doppler echocardiography, two-dimensional echocardiography and signs in diagnosis of aortic regurgitation

To assess the diagnostic significance of color Doppler and two-dimensional echocardiography and signs in aortic regurgitation (AR), we studied 48 patients with AR confirmed by color Doppler. On color Doppler, an abnormal diastolic flow originating from the aortic valve was visualized in the left ventricular outflow tract in the 48 cases. The maximal regurgitant jet area was 0.8-23.3 cm2. On two-dimensional echocardiography, the appearance of cardiac chamber and valves did not offer a clue to the existence of AR in 12 patients (25%). On physical examination, diastolic murmur was inaudible in 18 of 45 patients. Peripheral signs of AR were not found in 20 of 45 patients. In slight AR, signs were usually not detected. From the above we are led to conclude that of the patients with AR confirmed by color Doppler echocardiography, only 75% could be detected by two-dimensional echocardiography and about 55% diagnosed by physical examination.

Noise and frequency chirping in external-cavity semiconductor lasers

The noise spectra and frequency chirping of semiconductor lasers in the presence of arbitrary amounts of optical feedback are analyzed. Short external cavities with strong optical feedback are found to reduce the noise dramatically in semiconductor lasers, especially in the high-frequency regime. Frequency chirping is shown to be closely related to the nonlinear gain effect.

Intrathecal baclofen infusion. Effect on bladder management programs in patients with myelopathy

Intrathecal administration of Baclofen, a GABA agonist, through an implantable drug delivery pump has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of limb spasticity in patients with myelopathy. Three patients, followed before and after pump placement, experienced satisfactory spasticity relief and improvement in areas of self-care and mobility. Improvement in the bladder management programs of each patient was noted. These changes coincided with improvement on urodynamic studies, defined as either an increase in bladder capacity or a decrease in sphincter dyssynergia. Changes in bladder function were associated with the initiation of intrathecal therapy and with changes in pump-delivered dosages. In selected patients, intrathecal baclofen infusion can have a beneficial effect on bladder management programs.

[Status of iron nutrition in term pregnant women and their newborns]

Haemoglobin (Hb), free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP), ratio of FEP and Hb (FEP/Hb), serum ferritin (SF) packed red cell volume (PCV), serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TS) were evaluated in 170 healthy pregnant women and their full-term babies. The pregnant women were devided into normal and iron deficient groups. The status of iron nutrition of babies of normal mothers and mothers with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was compared. It showed that the decreased value of PCV in late pregnancy was mainly related to IDA. While the values of SF, FEP/Hb and Hb were more sensitive for detecting pregnancy associated IDA, the values of FEP, FEP/Hb and Hb in babies of IDA mothers were significantly higher than those in babies of normal mothers. Maternal iron status bore no significant correlation with the iron store of their babies. However, Hb less than 11 g/L, FEP/Hb greater than 4.5 micrograms/g, FEP greater than 0.92 mumol/L or SF less than 50 micrograms/L in early pregnancy were indications for iron supplementation.

Preparation and biodistribution of 1-[2-(3-[125I]iodo-4-aminophenyl)ethyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]piperazine and 1-[2-(3-[125I]iodo-4-azidophenyl)ethyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] piperazine

The iodinated analogue of 1-[2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine (PAPP), IPAPP (4), and the corresponding azido compound azido-IPAPP (5) were synthesized. The corresponding no-carrier-added 125I (T1/2 = 60 days, 35-60 keV) labeled compounds were also prepared. High specific binding was observed from in vitro binding studies using rat brain tissue preparation; Ki = 20 and 17.5 nM against [3H]-5-HT. In vivo biodistribution studies in rats showed that azido-[125I]IPAPP passed through intact blood-brain barrier and localized in the brain. Ex vivo autoradiography of rat brain sections exhibited a diffuse uptake pattern, which may be due to specific and nonspecific binding. The results indicate that IPAPP and azido-IPAPP may not be suitable to image the serotonin receptor in the brain.

Pulmonary venous flow evaluated by Doppler echocardiography

In this paper, we report the results of experimental and clinical studies of the pulmonary vein with Doppler echocardiography in 188 cardiac patients and normal controls. 1. The diameter of the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV): The diameter of the RSPV was 9.8 +/- 0.2 mm in normals and significantly dilated in the groups with passive or active pulmonary hypervolemia and decreased in the group with pulmonary hypovolemia (p less than 0.001). 2. Blood flow velocity of RSPV: The blood flow velocity of the RSPV measured in normal controls by Doppler echocardiography was 35.7 +/- 3.2 cm/s and significantly decreased in the groups with passive pulmonary hypervolemia and pulmonary hypovolemia (19.6 +/- 7.8 cm/s and 25.2 +/- 9.4 cm/s, respectively) and increased in the group with active pulmonary hypervolemia (49.6 +/- 19 cm/s, p less than 0.001). 3. Blood flow of RSPV: Blood flow of the RSPV was 2.3 +/- 1.5 L/m in normals, 3.4 +/- 2.4 L/m in the group with passive pulmonary hypervolemia, 6.2 +/- 2.9 L/m in the group with active pulmonary hypervolemia and 0.7 +/- 0.5 L/m in the group with pulmonary hypovolemia. Blood flow in the active pulmonary hypervolemic group was higher than that in the passive pulmonary hypervolemic group and the hypovolemic group. There was a high correlation between the pulmonary blood flow measured by Fick's method (Qp) and RSPV flow (RSPVF) measured by echocardiography (Qp = 1.96, RSPVF 0.92, r = 0.81, p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Stability of ferricinium cations and their cytostatic effect]

The relative stabilities of different ferricinium cations were studied in buffer or serum-containing solution and in vivo and compared with their cytostatic effects in cultures of Yoshida ascites tumor cells. Although the ferricinium cation itself was the most unstable cation compared with the dimethyl-ferricinium cation and the deuterated ferricinium derivatives it showed the highest cytostatic effect.

Theoretical analysis of metal-clad single-mode fiber-type polarizers

We present a method, based on the equivalent-current theory of optical waveguide coupling, by which metal-clad optical fiber polarizers can be analyzed. Good agreement between theoretical predictions and previously published experimental results is attained.

Effects of pyrethroid insecticides on subjects engaged in packaging pyrethroids

A health survey was conducted on 199 workers engaged in dividing and packaging pyrethroids. The subjects were exposed to fenvalerate at 0.012-0.055 mg/m3 and deltamethrin at 0.005-0.012 mg/m3 in the air with simultaneous skin contact for 0.5-4.5 months. Burning sensations and tightness or numbness on the face appeared in two thirds of the subjects and one third had sniffs and sneezes. Abnormal facial sensations, dizziness, fatigue, and miliary red papules on the skin were more evident in summer than in winter. Neither abnormalities in other organs or systems nor symptoms or signs of acute pyrethroid poisoning were found by interviews, examinations, and laboratory tests. There was no significant difference in plasma levels of NA, cAMP, and cGMP between the examined subjects and the control group. The urine concentration of fenvalerate in the study group ranged from 1.02 to 18.6 micrograms/l; deltamethrin in the urine was present in trace amounts.

Rehabilitation outcomes in complete C5 quadriplegia

Establishment of rehabilitation goals for spinal cord injury patients generally has been based on the degree of residual motor function. Despite extensive clinical experience with spinal cord injury rehabilitation, there have been no reports of the ability of C5 quadriplegic patients to perform self-care and mobility skills before and after rehabilitation. This study was designed to examine the rehabilitation outcomes of 63 patients with C5 complete quadriplegia, who completed an interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program, using the 100-point modified Barthel Index as a means of rating functional status. There were statistically significant increases in the mean modified Barthel index scores from 7.1 on admission to 28.9 on discharge for the entire group of patients. The self-care subscore increased significantly from 6.5 on admission to 20.0 on discharge and the mobility subscore increased significantly from 0.5 on admission to 8.9 on discharge. Ability to perform self-care and mobility subscore tasks is described. This study documented significant improvements in function during comprehensive rehabilitation among patients with C5 spinal cord injury.

[Ferrocene, ruthenocene and rhodocene analogs in haloperidol synthesis and organ distribution after labeling with 103Ru and 103mRh]

Ferrocene-Haloperidol was synthesized by N-alkylation of 4-(4'-chlorophenyl)- 4-hydroxypiperidine with 1-ferrocenyl-4-chlor-butan-1-on. By heating the ferrocene-haloperidol with 103RuCl3 the 103Ru-labelled ruthenocene-haloperidol was obtained. This compound showed a high affinity for lung but not for brain in rats and mice. The decay of the 103Ru labelled compound results in the formation of the 103mRh labelled rhodocene-haloperidol, which is rapidly oxidized by air to the corresponding rhodocinium-haloperidol. This compound can be separated by extraction and TLC.

Cell cycle perturbation of cultured C6 glioma cells following short-term contact with a low dose of ACNU

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cell cycle perturbation of cultured C6 rat glioma cells induced by 1-(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidyl)methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)3-nitrosourea hydrochloride (ACNU) using simultaneous flow cytometric measurements of DNA and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) content. A new graphic computer program permitted the quantification of cell density in hexagonal subareas and allowed the fraction of BrdU-labeled cells with mid-S phase DNA content (FLS) to be defined in a narrow window. The cell kinetic parameters such as cell cycle time (Tc) and S phase time (Ts) were estimated from a manually plotted FLS curve at 18 and 6 hr, respectively. The major effect of ACNU on the cell cycle was an accumulation of the cells in the G2M phase 12 to 24 hr posttreatment when compared to G2M traverse of untreated cells. For the two-dimensional analysis, cells were labeled with BrdU and then treated with ACNU, or treated with ACNU and then labeled with BrdU. It was concluded that the cells in the S and G2M phases at the time of ACNU administration progressed to mitosis but that the G1 phase cells accumulated in the subsequent G2M phase. Two-dimensional FCM analysis using BrdU provided a useful tool in studying cell cycle perturbation.

A PvuII RFLP detected in the human prion protein (PrP) gene

Images

Human chromosome hot points. V. The effect of four nucleosides on chromosomes in folate-free medium

Human lymphocytes from 18 healthy adults were cultured in minimal essential medium without folic acid. The addition of 4 mM cytidine or 1 mM guanosine to cultures 24 h prior to harvest produced a statistically significant increase in hot point 3p14 breaks. An excess of 3 mM adenosine or thymidine had no such effect on the hot point. The mechanism of the effects of nucleosides on hot points was discussed.

A method for stabilizing chronic gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes

Haphazard and inefficient securing of chronic gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes causes major complications due to migration of the percutaneous feeding tube, including pyloric or intestinal obstruction, obstructive jaundice, and impaired feeding. These problems associated with current anchoring techniques can be prevented by following an inexpensive, easily learned stabilization method using sterile gauze pads and tape that fixes the tube in position.

Tracheal rupture following cervical manipulation: late complication posttracheostomy

This paper describes a tracheal rupture resulting from forceful cervical manipulation in a patient with healed tracheostomy performed 25 years earlier. It is hypothesized that the manipulation caused a tear in the anterior tracheal wall followed by recurrent abscesses and tracheocutaneous fistulas. Xerography revealed a ballooning out of the abscess cavity with the Valsalva maneuver. After intermittent full courses of oral antibiotics, surgical intervention was carried out with eventual complete resolution of symptoms. Since posttracheostomy scar tissue is more vulnerable than the extracranial vascular system, this first documented case of tracheal rupture should alert the public and the medical profession of yet another contraindication to forceful cervical manipulation.

Control of oxygen affinity of hemoglobin in K562 cells induced by hemin

The oxygen affinity of hemoglobin in K562 cells induced by hemin and the relationship between levels of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and hemoglobin have been investigated. Absorption spectra of induced cells indicate that the hemoglobin is oxygenated; oxygen dissociation curves are symmetric, with a P50 of 20 +/- 0.9 mm Hg, Hill coefficient of 2.5, and a normal temperature dependence. The intracellular pH measured by phosphorus 31 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was 7.3. The amount of 2,3-DPG was determined by an enzymatic method and by 31P NMR. The level of 2,3-DPG in uninduced K562 cells, containing 0.5 pg of hemoglobin per cell, was low (5 +/- 0.5 mumole/10(8) cells), but increased to 64 +/- 5 mumole/10(8) cells upon induction of hemoglobin accumulation (to a final level of 20 pg hemoglobin/cell). For several experiments, there was a closely coordinated relationship between 2,3-DPG and hemoglobin levels, at about 1:1 stoichiometry of the two molecules. The time course of induction of hemoglobin, and of 2,3-DPG levels, are very similar; both processes are reversible. These data suggest that induction of hemoglobin synthesis in K562 cells by hemin results in hemoglobin-containing cells with normal oxygenation properties and that 2,3-DPG and hemoglobin levels are coordinately controlled in these cells. Elucidation of the mechanism of this effect should be of importance in understanding the erythroid-like differentiation of these cells.

Axillary F central latency: simple electrodiagnostic technique for proximal neuropathy

A simple technique is described for measuring the F-wave conduction time of the proximal segment of peripheral nerves. This should prove helpful in the diagnosis of a proximal neuropathy or myelopathy. The F wave (Fw) and M response at the wrist (Mw) and the M response at the axilla (Ma) can be used to calculate the conduction time, defined as Axillary F Central Latency (AFCL), between the spinal cord and the axilla, covering a horizontal distance of 25cm twice. The calculated AFCL (AFCL = (Mw + Fw) - 2Ma) in our control group of 30 normal subjects was 11.2 +/- 0.8 msec (mean and 1 standard deviation) for the ulnar or median nerve. An AFCL of more than 13.6 msec (mean plus 3SD), or a discrepancy of the AFCL greater than 2.1 msec in the same nerves between the 2 sides or between the median and ulnar nerves on the same side suggests an abnormality involving the proximal nerve segment. The prolonged AFCL has been found in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), brachial plexus lesions, syringomyelia and, in a few cases, with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).

Long-term intermittent catheterization in the spinal cord injury patient

Intermittent catheterization was used as a means of long-term bladder management in 85 patients with spinal cord injury. Of these patients followup data revealed that 28 (33 per cent) had reflux and/or hydronephrosis. Treatment in 15 patients consisted of increasing the frequency of catheterization to every 4 hours and avoiding high fluid intake during a relative short interval. Sphincterotomy was done in 3 patients, while 10 were placed on an indwelling catheter because of an inability to adapt to or refusal of other forms of treatment. The upper urinary tract changes noted seemed to be related to increased intravesical pressure, either from too long an interval between catheterizations or from marked detrusor hyperreflexia with sphincter obstruction. Close followup seems necessary in these patients.