A novel material for the microbiological, oxidative, and color stability of salmon and chicken meat samples: Nanofibers obtained from sesame oil

Sesame oil nanofibers (diameter min: 286 max: 656nm), starting thermal degradation at 60 °C, were successfully obtained using the electrospinning technique in Türkiye. The distance, high voltage, and flow rate in electrospinning parameters were defined as 10 cm, 25 kV, and 0.065 mL/min. Mesophilic, psychrophilic bacteria, and yeast & molds counts of control group samples were higher (up to 1.21 log CFU/g) than those of salmon and chicken meat samples treated with sesame oil nanofibers. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value in control salmon meat samples stored for 8 days was defined between 0.56 and 1.48 MDA/kg (increase: 146%). However, the rise in TBA for salmon samples treated with sesame oil nanofibers was 21%. Also, nanofiber application for chicken samples limited the rapid oxidation up to 51.51% compared to control samples on the 8th day (p < 0.05). b* value (decline: 15.23 %) associated with rapid oxidation of the control group in salmon samples was more rapidly decreased than that of fish samples treated with sesame-nanofibers (b*: 12.01%) (p < 0.05). Chicken fillets b* values were more stable compared to control chicken meat samples for 8 days. Sesame oil-nanofiber application did not adversely affect the L* value color stability of all meat samples.

The possibilities of using quinoa flour in the production of chicken meat patties

In this study, the mixtures obtained by mixing quinoa flour with wheat flour in different proportions were added to chicken meat patties and their effects on some quality characteristics were investigated. The yields of the meatballs prepared with the mixes containing 50% and 100% quinoa flour were higher than those of other meatballs (69.59% and 69.71%, respectively). The moisture retention of the fried meatballs prepared with mixtures containing 50%, 70% and 100% quinoa flour was found to be 45.80%, 45.97% and 51.09%, respectively. The results indicated that the moisture retention of these meatballs was higher than those of meatballs containing 30 and 0% quinoa flour. In contrast, oil absorption rates in the fried samples were in the range of 4.46-5.65% for all quinoa-containing samples and were lower compared to the control sample. Firmness decreased in meat patties prepared with mixtures containing high quinoa rates. It was observed that quinoa flour did not have a negative effect on quality factors. It was concluded that especially the mixtures containing 30% and 50% quinoa flour can be recommended.

Differences in the cellular and humoral immune system between middle-aged men with different intensity and duration of physically training

AIM

The effects of acute exercise on immune system and serum magnesium and iron have been investigated in recent years. However, data related to the comparisons of long-term physical training with different intensity and duration are limited.

METHODS

The association between long-term physical training and cellular (lymphocyte phenotyping) and humoral immune parameters (serum immunoglobulins) and serum magnesium and iron values in the middle-aged men was investigated. Eleven male master athletes (MA) performing high intensity and long duration training, 11 male recreational athletes (RA) performing moderate intensity and duration training (>10 years) participated. Eleven male sedentary individuals were enrolled as control group (CG).

RESULTS

The percentages of total CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T helper, CD8+ T suppressor/cytotoxic, CD19+ B cells, natural killer cells, HLA-DR+ active T cells and CD4/CD8 ratios did not show any significant difference among 3 groups. In MA, VO2max values showed a significant negative correlation with CD4+ T helper cells. There were no significant differences among MA, RA and CG in terms of IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations. There was a significant correlation between VO2max and IgG in RA. Iron, iron binding capacity and ferritin were found similar in all groups, but serum magnesium level in MA was significantly lower than RA and CG.

CONCLUSION

No exact data to support immunosuppression or immunostimulation could be obtained except a significant negative correlation between CD4+ T helper cells and VO2max values in MA and a positive correlation between serum IgG and VO2max ivalues in RA. These findings may be the indirect markers of cellular immune system suppression by intensive exercises and stimulation of IgG production by moderate exercises.

Testosterone and nonverbal intelligence in right-handed men with successful and unsuccessful educational levels

The relationship between serum total testosterone (T) concentration and fluid intelligence (nonverbal, spatial) was studied in consistently right-handed men with successful (S) or unsuccessful educational levels (NS). Hand preference was assessed by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. Nonverbal intelligence was measured by Cattell's Culture Fair Intelligence Test. Serum T level was determined using chemiluminescence enzyme-immunoassay on hormone autoanalyzer. There was no significant difference between the mean T levels of the S subjects and NS subjects, although S-men tended to have higher T levels than NS-men. The mean IQ was found to be significantly higher in S-men than NS-men. In the total sample (S + NS men), the correlation between T to IQ was best described by a polynomial regression (3rd order), exhibiting an inverse U-shaped regression. In S-men, the relationship between T and IQ was best described by a polynomial regression equation of the 3rd order; however, the relationship was not U-shaped, but rather a positive correlation (low T: low IQ and high T high IQ). In NS-men, there was an inverse U-shaped correlation between T and IQ (low and very high T: low IQ and moderate T: high IQ). The present data suggest that (i) very low and very high serum T concentrations may be disadvantageous, (ii) moderate T levels may be advantageous for general fluid intelligence, and (iii) a prewired cerebral organization may be essential for the T effects on cognitive abilities.

Autosomal recessive multiple pterygium syndrome: a new variant?

Multiple pterygium syndromes include at least 15 different entities characterized by multiple pterygia or webs of the skin and multiple congenital anomalies. We describe a female infant who presented with a distinct constellation of multiple anomalies consisting of pterygia of the inguinal, intercrural and popliteal areas, flexion contractures and arthrogryposis of some joints, craniofacial anomalies including ectropion, medial canthal web, blepharophimosis, hypoplasia of nose, oral and nasopharyngeal cavities, vocal cords and tongue, micrognathia, orolabial synechiae secondary to pterygia, low set ears, alopecia, sad and expressionless face, short neck, asymmetric nipples, anal stenosis, rectal polyp, hypoplastic labia majora, complete syndactyly of all fingers and toes, pes equinovarus, bandlike web between feet, and absence of the nails and phalangeal-palmar creases. Radiological examination showed synostosis, absence or hypoplasia of metacarpal, metatarsal and phalangeal bones on feet and hands, and hypoplasia of pelvic bones and scapulae. This pattern of anomalies does not fit entirely any of the known multiple pterygium syndromes. Autosomal recessive inheritance is most likely due to the presence of three similarly affected siblings and normal parents.

Roberts SC phocomelia with isolated cleft palate, thrombocytopenia, and eosinophilia

The Roberts-SC (Pseudothalidomide) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. We present a Roberts-SC Syndrome in a 20-day-old girl with phocomelia of the upper limbs, isolated cleft palate, micrognathia, prominent eyes, pectus excavatum, and pes equinovarus. Peripheral blood smear revealed thrombocytopenia and hypereosinophilia. Premature centromere separation in the child and also in her normal mother was noted.

Double layered autogenous vein graft patch reconstruction of the common carotid-internal jugular fistula caused by gunshot wound

Hereby we present a case with a common carotid-internal jugular fistula caused by gunshot wound. The patient was a 32-year old male who had an entrance hole of a bullet on his right anterior cervical area, at the C4 level with a hematoma surrounding it. The exit hole could be detected at the sublingual area. By palpation a thrill and on auscultation a souffle was noted. Neither crepitation, nor any neurologic deficit or any symptom of Horner's syndrome was present. The emergency digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed a fistulisation to internal jugular vein (IJV) approximately 0.5 cm below the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation level. During the operation a hematoma and a false aneurysm was observed on the CCA. Also, proximally to the bifurcation, a communication of CCA with IJV was noted. The wall of the JJV was rather thinned and the size of the vessel had considerably enlarged. Following the evacuation of the hematoma and debridement, the integration of the artery was achieved by placing a double layered autogenous vein graft patch over the 0.5 x 1.5 cm defect. The 0.3 x 1.5 cm defect laterally over the IJV was primarily sutured. The patient was discharged on the fifth day. The control DSA taken on the twelfth day showed a perfect integration of the vessels. We considered the case noticeable due to its rather rare incidence and the double layered autogen vein patch graft reconstruction.

Cholesterol crystal embolism. Case report

A 60-year-old man presented with a cholesterol crystal embolism that gave a rather confusing clinical picture. An immediate multidisciplinary approach established the diagnosis and the rapid, dramatic skin loss that exposed vital structures over his thigh and lower leg was reconstructed by an ipsilateral inferior pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap with a lateral oblique cephalad fasciocutaneal component. The case, which a plastic surgeon would rarely encounter, is interesting because of the diagnostic approach and the management.

Inhibition of penile erection in rats by a long-acting somatostatin analogue, octreotide (SMS 201-995)

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of a new somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995, octreotide) on erectile function in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were fasted and anaesthetized intraperitoneally with pentobarbital. A cannula was placed in the trachea and the femoral vein cannulated for intravenous infusion. The hypogastric and pelvic nerve, major pelvic ganglion, and the nerve fibres to the lower genitourinary tract were identified. In 20 animals, these nerves were stimulated unilaterally using bipolar silver-wire electrodes; the stimulation was repeated every 15 min for 1 h. Twenty animals were divided into two equal groups; after measuring penile erection to obtain basal values, the animals received either saline or 50 micrograms SMS 201-995 over 1 h and 30 min later, the stimulation was repeated.

RESULTS

After administering SMS 201-995 or saline, the levels of penile erection reduced linearly in both groups, but SMS 201-995 caused a greater decrease than in the control group (P < 0.05) and from baseline (P < 0.01) at all times.

CONCLUSION

SMS 201-995 inhibits penile erection in rats and the systems may serve as an in vivo animal model for further investigation.

Congenital epulis. Case report

A newborn baby boy weighing 3100 g was found to have a pinky red solid mass 3 x 2.5 x 2 cm arising from the anterior ridge of the maxilla. This caused difficulty in feeding, and looked ugly. The mass was excised under local anaesthetic when he was 2 days old and histological examination showed congenital epulis. He also had a stage II congenital goitre. His hypothyroidism was treated with L-thyroxine sodium and he was well with no sign of recurrence of the tumour at the age of 1 year.

Sexual dimorphism in linear measures of the corpus callosum in cats

The sexual dimorphism in the linear measures of the corpus callosum was studied in adult cats. In absolute measures, males had significantly larger genu, isthmus, and splenium than females; the mean absolute lengths were not significantly different in males and females. There were significant positive linear correlations between callosal measures and brain weight in the male and female cats, (no significant correlation between isthmus width and brain weight in females). The mean callosal measures predicted from brain weights in regression equations were found to be significantly greater in males than in females. This sexual dimorphism in callosal measures of cats showed similarities with rats, but not with humans. It was suggested that this may be due to cognitive differences between animal and human brains as well as brain development under relatively simple environmental factors such as gonadal hormones (testosterone) in animals compared to human brains.

Sexual dimorphism in body and brain weight and its association with paw preference in cats

Sexual dimorphism in body and brain weight was studied in cats. Paw preference was assessed by food reaching test. Sexual dimorphism in body weight related to paw preference. Males weighted more than females in total sample and non-right-handed (NRH) cats (no significant difference in right-handed group). NRH males weighted more than right-handed (RH) males (no difference in females). Absolute total-brain weight did not show sexual dimorphism. Relative total-brain weight was sexually dimorphic only in NRH cats (females more than males). RH males weighted more than NRH males (no significant difference in females). Only absolute right-brain weighted more in males than females (total sample). Otherwise, no significant difference was found between absolute right- and left-brain weights of male and female cats. The relative right- and left-brain weighted more in females than males only in NRH cats (no sexual dimorphism in RH cats); more in RH males than NRH males; no difference in RH and NRH females. The overall results indicated that sexual dimorphism in body and brain weight is associated with cerebral lateralization in cats.

Grasp reflex strength from right and left hands is associated with pH stressor from the umbilical arterial blood in human newborns: handedness and sex-related differences

Grasp reflex and its asymmetry was studied in relation to pH of the umbilical blood in human newborns, to examine whether the degree of acidity in fetal blood (birth stress) is associated with cerebral laterality. Low pH values were considered as an index for birth stress. Grasp-reflex strength was found to be directly related to pH in total sample. There were sex-related differences. Namely, this correlation was true only for female newborns, not for males. Right minus left grasp-reflex strength linearly increased with pH, i.e., low pH values were associated with left-hand dominance, but only in males. The grasp-reflex asymmetry was not related to pH in females. It was concluded that blood pH may be associated with motor asymmetry and motor development in human newborns, but show sex-related differences; female brain seemed to be more sensitive to pH changes than male brain. The results partly supported the Bakan's hypothesis that birth stress may be associated with left-handedness.

Prefabricated microvascular shoulder free flap for forehead reconstruction

In a case with a large forehead defect following tight scalp bandaging in childhood, a prefabricated microvascular shoulder free flap was used for reconstruction. A free forearm fascial flap, with the radial artery and the concomitant vein as pedicle, was harvested and inserted under a subcutaneous pocket opened in the left shoulder region which served as the future "prefabricated free flap". In addition, a tissue expander was placed in this pocket to provide the necessary tissue expansion to enable primary donor site closure.

Hemimandibular reconstruction with bipedicled scapular osteocutaneous free flap

A case report is presented on the successful use of a bipedicled scapular osteocutaneous free flap in a young woman, whose hemimandible was resected because of sarcoma, 1 year prior to presentation. The postoperative course was uneventful and donor site morbidity minimal.

The relationships between paw preference and the right- and left-brain weights in male and female adult cats: ipsilateral and contralateral motor control with regard to asymmetric postural and manipulative actions

Paw preference (food reaching) with regard to relative right-and left-brain weights was studied in adult cats. In the right-pawed (RH) male and female cats, the right-paw use increased and the left-paw use decreased with increasing asymmetry coefficient (AC) for the right- and left brain-weight. The right-paw use increased with increasing the right-brain weight in RH males, and decreased with increasing the left-brain weight in RH females. There was no significant correlation between paw use and AC in left-pawed (LH) males; the right-paw use decreased and the left paw use increased with increasing AC in LH females. The right-paw use decreased with increasing left brain weight (no correlation with right brain) in LH males. In LH females, the right-paw use decreased with the right-brain weight, and increased with the left-brain weight. The left-paw use increased with the left-brain weight in LH males (no correlation with the right-brain weight). The left-paw use increased with the right-brain weight and decreased with the left-brain weight in LH females. These results were explained by supraspinal and spinal reciprocal interactions between the postural and manipulative systems with regard to contralaterality and ipsilaterality of motor control in cerebral and manual lateralization.

Relationships among weights of right and left cerebral hemispheres, and right minus left brain weight in right- and left-pawed male and female cats: importance of body weight

Interrelationships among the right- (R), left- (L) brain weights, R-L brain weight, and R + L brain weight were studied in adult cats. The raw brain weights and the brain weights relative to body weight (brain weight: body weight) were studied separately. The raw R-L brain weight showed no significant correlation with the raw R+L brain weight. The relative R-L brain weight was found to be positively linearly correlated with the R + L brain weight only in the right-pawed (RH) males. So, the asymmetry in relative brain weight increased with the relative total brain weight only in RH males, suggesting a common factor favoring an asymmetrical brain and an increased body weight (testosterone). The relative R- and L-brain weights were found to be inversely related to the relative R-L brain weight only in the RH female cats with R-L brain weight smaller than zero (testosterone in males, estrogen in females). It was concluded that hormonal factors influencing the body weight may also influence the asymmetrical brain development in cats.

Tremor-bursts induced by a combined application of chlorpromazine and pentobarbital in guinea pigs are asymmetrically influenced by right- and left-brain lesions

The effect of right- and left-brain lesions on pentobarbitone-chlorpromazine induced tremor-bursts was studied in guinea pigs. The left-brain transections did not affect these tremor bursts except post-thalamic sections, which caused a complete disappearance of extensor jerks with coinciding tremors at four legs. These tremor bursts simultaneously occurring at four legs completely disappeared after a right-forebrain transection at the level of the rostral striatum. Extensor jerks without tremors continued to occur, however. It is concluded that the postural system is asymmetrically controlled and the rostral right brain is responsible for the tonic postural activity in guinea pigs.

The role of right- and left-brain weights in cerebral lateralization of right- and left-pawed male and female cats

The contributions of right- and left-brain weights to the ratio of the left- to the right-brain weight (L/R) were studied in cats. Brain weight was expressed as the ratio of brain weight to body weight. The relative right- and left-brains in the right-pawed male cats were found to be heavier and more asymmetric (L/R < 0) than those in the left-pawed male cats. Only in right-pawed males was the mean L/R ratio found to be significantly smaller than zero. The left-pawed males had smaller and more symmetric brains than the right-pawed males. There was no significant difference between L/R ratios in the right-pawed and left-pawed females. The mean L-R brain weight was found to be significantly smaller than zero in the right-pawed male and left-pawed female cats (no significant difference in other samples). The L/R ratio linearly increased as the relative right-brain weight decreased in the right-pawed and left-pawed males; the L/R ratio linearly increased as the right-brain weight and especially the left-brain weight increased in the right-pawed and left-pawed females. These results partly supported the testosterone hypothesis of cerebral lateralization. The results have also suggested that the right brain in males and the left brain in females would be the main factor determining cerebral lateralization in cats.

The end point of the sylvian fissure is higher on the right than the left in cat brain as in human brain

The height of the end point of the sylvian fissure (SF) was analyzed in the right and left brains of male and female adult cats. A corrected SF asymmetry coefficient (AC) was computed for each brain. An AC larger than zero (AC+) showed a rightward asymmetry, and an AC smaller than zero (AC-) a leftward asymmetry. In the total sample, ACs fit a normal distribution with a mean significantly larger than zero. Of these brains, 75% had ACs larger than zero median; 23.4% had ACs smaller than zero median. Of 11 right-pawed cats, 90.9% had ACs larger than zero. Of 13 left-pawed male cats, there was no significant difference between AC+ and AC- brains. In right-pawed female cats, the right SF was also higher in most animals, but the difference did not reach the 5% significance level. In left-pawed female cats, the number of AC+ brains significantly exceeded that of AC-brains. Thus, the brains of the left-pawed male cats resembled those of the right-pawed female cats; right-pawed male cats resembled left-pawed female cats with regard to asymmetries in SF height. It was concluded that the human brain is not unique in SF asymmetries, which may be linked to manual asymmetry and sex hormones.

Asymmetrical relationships between the right and left heights of the sylvian end points in right- and left-pawed male and female cats: similarities with planum temporale asymmetries in human brain

Asymmetry in the height of the right (R) and left (L) Sylvian end points was studied in right- (RH) and left-pawed (LH) male and female cats. Sylvian height was described relatively to brain weight. An asymmetry coefficient (AC) was estimated (R - L/.5*R + L). There was no significant relationship between R + L Sylvian height and AC, in the total sample and in AC- (leftward asymmetry) brains. In AC+ brains (rightward asymmetry), R + L Sylvian height showed an inverse correlation with AC in RH cats, and a direct correlation in LH cats. There was an inverse correlation between left Sylvian height and AC in RH cats, but no correlation in LH cats. There was a direct correlation between right and left Sylvian height and AC. In AC- brains, left Sylvian height had no relation to AC, but there was a direct correlation between right Sylvian height and AC. In AC+ brains, left Sylvian height showed an inverse correlation with AC in RH males and females; a direct correlation only in LH male cats. Right Sylvian height showed a direct relation to AC+ values in RH and LH males and LH females (no correlation in RH females). The results supported the generalization that a brain symmetrical in a given region has more combined cortex than a brain that is asymmetrical for this region, only for RH cats, however (Galaburda et al., 1987).

Relationship of serum zinc levels to hand preference, skull length and serum gonadal hormone levels in right-handed young adults

The association between serum zinc (Zn) level and the degree of hand preference was studied in right-handed young adults. Hand preference was scored by the Waterloo Handedness Questionnaire. Serum Zn level was determined by the flow injection analysis-atomic absorption technique. Zinc was found to be positively linearly and significantly correlated with the degree of right hand preference in the sample of males with familial sinistrality (FS+) and FS- females with right eye and right foot preference. There was a negative linear correlation between these variables in FS+ females. Skull length showed a significant negative linear correlation with zinc in FS+ males and females, but a positive linear correlation in FS- females. In FS- females, there was a significant positive linear correlation between serum gonadal hormone binding globulin (GBG) and serum Zn levels. In FS+ males, there was a significant negative linear correlation between serum GBG and Zn levels, and a significant positive linear correlation between serum free testosterone level and serum Zn level. It was suggested that zinc may influence the degree of the right hand preference by hormonal mechanisms according to genetically established brain organization.

Right and left hand skill in relation to cerebral lateralization in right-handed male and female subjects: the prominent role of the right brain in right-handedness

The associations between right and left hand skills to cerebral motor lateralization were studied in right-handed subjects with (FS+) and without (FS-) familial sinistrality. Hand preference was assessed by Oldfield questionnaire and hand skill by the peg moving task. The mean peg moving times (PMTs) and their standard deviations (SDs) were calculated for each hand. There was a significant positive linear correlation between the mean right and left hand PMTs. In males, the mean difference between the left and right PMTs (L-R) showed a significant negative linear correlation with the mean right hand PMTs. There was no significant correlation between these parameters in females. The mean L-R PMTs were found to be positively linearly correlated with the mean left hand PMT in FS- males, FS- and FS+ females (no correlation in FS+ males). The results indicated the contribution of the mean left hand PMTs to L-R hand skill is much higher than that of the mean right hand PMTs. In males, there was no significant correlation between SDs of the mean right and left hand PMTs. In females, SD of the mean right hand PMT was found to be positively linearly related to SD of the left hand PMT. In males, L-R SDs were found to be negatively linearly related to SDs of the mean right hand PMTs and positively linearly related to the SDs of the mean left hand PMTs. In females, only the mean left hand PMT positively linearly correlated with L-R SDs. Here again, the left hand prominently influenced the L-R SDs. In males, SD for the mean right hand PMT showed no relation to right hand PMT. There was, however, a negative linear correlation between SD of the mean right hand PMT and the left hand PMT (no correlations in female). It was concluded that the left hand (right brain) would be of higher significance than the right hand (left brain) in determining the degree of the right-bias in hand skill and its stability in right-handers.

Parkinsonian-like tremor induced by a combined application of chlorpromazine and pentobarbitone in cats with left-paw preference

A Parkinsonian-like tremor can be induced by a combined application of chlorpromazine and pentobarbitone in cats. Interestingly enough, only cats with left-paw preference were found to have a predisposition to this drug-induced tremor. The cats with ambidexterity and right-preference in paw use did not show any visible tremorogenic action of these drugs. Especially the proximal muscles of all four extremities showed oscillations with a frequency of about 12 per second in all animals tested, which completely disappeared after i.v. application of lioresal, atropine and biperiden. It was suggested that this new drug-induced tremor model may reflect an impairment within the cortico-striato-pallido-thalamo-cortical feedback loop. It was also concluded that left-handers may have an increased predisposition to centrally acting drugs than nonleft-handers.

Right-, left-dominance and ambidexterity in grasp reflex in human newborn: importance of left brain in cerebral lateralization

The grasp reflex was studied in human newborn without familial sinistrality. Of 60 females, 26 (43.3%) were right-handed and 34 (56.7%) ambidextrous. Of 62 males, 20 (32.3%) were right-handed, 39 (62.9%) ambidextrous, and 3 (4.8%) left-handed. There was a nonsignificant preponderance of right-dominance in females and a significant preponderance of nonright-handedness in males. In right-handers, the mean right minus left (R-L) grasp-reflex showed a positive linear correlation with the grasp-reflex from the right and left hands, with a higher correlation for the right hand. In ambidexters, the R-L grasp reflex did not show any significant correlation with the grasp reflex from the right and left hands. The mean grasp-reflex from right and left were found to be significantly smaller in ambidextrous males and females then right-handed males and females, with a much higher significance for the right hand. It was concluded that females tended to have a more pronounced reflex lateralization than males. The results also indicated that the left brain may be more important than the right brain for the development of a spinocerebral motor lateralization in humans.

The relationships between the degree of grasp-reflex asymmetry, grasp-reflex strength from the right and left hands, and body weight in the male and female newborn with and without familial sinistrality

The relation of the degree of grasp-reflex asymmetry to the strength of right- and left-hand grasp-reflex strength and body weight was studied in human newborn. In the total sample (N = 103), the right minus left (R-L) reflex strength was found to be positively linearly related to the grasp-reflex strengths from the right and left hands in FS-subjects; the correlation was higher for the right hand than the left hand. In FS+ subjects (N = 17), there was not a significant correlation between R-L and right-reflex strength; left-reflex strength was found to be negatively linearly related to the R-L reflex strength. In FS- subjects, the right- and left-reflex strengths showed a positive linear correlation with body weight. In FS+ subjects, only the left-reflex showed a positive linear correlation with body weight. The R-L reflex tended to be positively correlated with body weight in FS- subjects and negatively correlated in FS+ subjects. In females (N = 58), the relation of R-L to right and left reflex was similar to that for the total sample. There was no significant correlation between grasp reflex and body weight in FS- females. In FS+ females (N = 8), there was a positive linear correlation between the right grasp-reflex and body weight; the left grasp-reflex did not show such a significant correlation. The R-L grasp-reflex strength was not correlated with body weight in females.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lateralization of the grasp reflex in male and female human newborns

The lateralization of the grasp reflex was studied in male and female newborns. The mean grasp-reflex strength of the right hand was found to be higher than that of the left hand in males, but the difference was not significant. The mean grasp-reflex strength of the right hand was found to be significantly higher than that of the left hand in females. There was no significant difference between the mean grasp-reflex strengths of the right hand in the male and female subjects. The mean reflex strength of the left hand was found to be higher in males than females; the difference was only marginally significant. The right minus left (R - L) reflex strength showed a significant positive linear relation to the right-and left-reflex strengths in both sexes. This was, however, much more pronounced for the right-reflex than the left-reflex. There was a significantly positive linear correlation between the reflex strengths of the right and left hands and the body weight in males. The females did not show such a relationship between reflex strength and body weight. These sex-related differences in the grasp reflex in newborns were discussed in light of cerebral lateralization and its hormonal modulation.

The lateralization of the grasp reflex in human newborns

The strength of the grasp reflex from the right and left hands was estimated in male and female newborns within the second day after birth. In the total sample (N = 121), the mean strength of the grasp reflex from the right hand was found to be significantly higher than that from the left hand. There was a significant positive linear correlation between reflex strengths from the right and left hands. The mean right minus left (R - L) reflex strength was found to be significantly larger than zero. There was a positive linear relationship between the R-L reflex strength and the reflex strengths from the right and left hands. This was more pronounced for the right hand than the left hand. The reflex strengths from the right and left hands were found to be positively linearly correlated with the weight of the newborn babies. These results indicated a grasp reflex lateralization in newborns. The right-bias in the grasp-reflex asymmetry established in this work would create a basis for the development of the right-hand preference in adulthood.

There is a relatively left-biased grasp-reflex asymmetry in human newborns with familial sinistrality compared to those without familial sinistrality

Grasp-reflex asymmetry was studied in human newborns with regard to familial sinistrality (FS). In the total sample, the following results were obtained. The mean grasp-reflex strength from the right hand was found to be significantly greater than that from the left hand in FS- subjects. There was no significant difference between these parameters in FS+ subjects. The mean right minus left (R-L) reflex strength was significantly greater than zero in FS- subjects. The mean R-L reflex did not significantly differ from zero in FS+ subjects. The mean reflex strength from the right hand was found to be significantly greater in FS- subjects than FS+ subjects. There was no significant difference between the mean reflex strengths from the left hands of the FS- and FS+ subjects. The mean R-L reflex in subjects FS- was found to be significantly greater than that in FS+ subjects. Similar results were obtained from the male and female subjects. It was concluded that FS is an important factor determining the degree of the grasp-reflex asymmetry in newborns. The relatively left-biased grasp-reflex asymmetry under the influence of FS indicates a genetic origin of the motor asymmetry in newborns. This, in turn, suggests that cerebral lateralization inducing manual asymmetry in humans may have been preprogrammed genetically.

Intermittent tremor-bursts induced by chlorpromazine and pentobarbitone in guinea pigs: a new tremor model

It was discovered by serendipity that a combined application of chlorpromazine (3.5 mg/kg) and pentobarbitone (20.0 mg/kg) induced intermittent tremor-bursts in four extremities of guinea pigs. This tremor with a prominent extensor activity disappeared after spinalization, indicating a supraspinal process. Biperiden reduced the frequency and amplitude of the tremor, which was further diminished by amantadine. Baclofen was found to be most potent drug in suppressing tremor. It was suggested that the cortico-striato-pallido-thalamo-cortical feedback loop may be impaired by a combined action of chlorpromazine and pentobarbitone. This new animal model for drug-induced tremor would be of considerable importance with regard to physiological, biochemical, pharmacological and pathological aspects of motor control.

A simple tremor model induced by pentobarbitone in guinea pig

We have recently reported that a combined application of chlorpromazine and pentobarbitone induced intermittently occurring tremor bursts in guinea pigs (Tan et al., in press). This was a chance discovery. It will be shown in the present work that chlorpromazine is not essential for this postural tremor; only pentobarbitone in low dosages produced intermittent tremor bursts in guinea pigs lying in a supine position. Chlorpromazine alone was not effective in producing tremor. The pentobarbitone-induced tremors were attenuated by the i.v. application of biperiden or lioresal. These results indicate that these tremors would be produced by the basal ganglia as in Parkinsonism.

The distribution of paw preference in right-, left-, and mixed pawed male and female cats: the role of a female right-shift factor in handedness

The distribution of paw preference was studied in male and female cats. Paw preference was assessed by the food reaching test. Of the total sample (N = 109), 54 (49.5%) cats were found to be right-preferent, 44 (40.4%) left-preferent, and 11 (10.1%) ambidextrous. In females (N = 63), 34 cats (54.0%) were right-preferent, 23 (36.5%) left-preferent, and 6 (9.5%) ambidextrous. The proportion of the right-preferents was found to be significantly higher than that for the left-preferents in females as in humans. Of the male cats (N = 46), 20 (43.5%) were right-preferent, 21 (45.7%) left-preferent, and 5 (10.9%) ambidextrous. The proportion of the strongly right-preferent females (44%) was found to be significantly higher than that of the strongly right-preferent males (28%) as in humans. In the right-preferent animals, the incidence of the moderate left-paw use was found to be higher in males than females. There was no significant difference in the proportions of the strongly left-preferent males and females. It was concluded that the U-shaped distribution of paw preference in cats is largely shaped by females and a prominent left-paw use of males. The results provided evidence for a right-biased paw preference in females compared to males, indicating that females may be responsible for the emergence of cerebral lateralization and hand preference in animals and humans. It was tentatively suggested that a female right-shift factor may be required for the emergence of a right-bias in handedness. The absence of this factor would decrease the chance of being right-handed and increase the vulnerability of the developing brain to environmental influences.

Skin suction blister wound exposed to u.v. irradiation: a burn wound model for use in humans

The effects of exposing blister wounds to u.v. irradiation were assessed in 14 male volunteers, on whose forearms blister wounds (diameter 5 mm, suction set at 200 mmHg below atmospheric for 2 h 15 min, blister roof cut at base), and irradiated blister wounds (as above, in addition u.v. irradiation given selectively for 30 min from a distance of 10 cm), were produced. In non-u.v.-irradiated wounds, flow cessation, assessed by video microscopy (n = 6), was observed in a small proportion of the papillary loop vessels. The oedema adjacent to the wound was poorly developed. Laser Doppler linear scans (n = 8) demonstrated a pronounced hyperaemia in the wound bed and also in the adjacent skin, the reaction subsiding over a few days. The exudation rate, determined by weighing the hydrocolloid dressings applied to the wound, was maximal on day 1 and then rapidly decreased. Epithelialization, assessed evaporimetrically as the time taken for reinstatement of the epidermal water barrier, was complete in 5.1 days. In the u.v.-irradiated wounds the blood flow had ceased in all the papillary loop vessels by day 1, and increased oedema, exudation and hyperaemia at the wound edges were observed. Epithelialization was not significantly retarded by the irradiation injury. After 6 months, slight discolouration of the skin was occasionally observed, but no cosmetically disturbing scars. This benign and standardized wound model in humans--based on a combination of a mechanical suction injury and a superficial radiation burn--may prove to be useful, for instance when studying the effects of burns treatment.

The effects of testosterone on paw preference in adult cats

The effects of testosterone on paw preference assessed by a food reaching test was studied in adult cats. It was found that tetosterone propionate injected intramuscularly reduced the degree of the right-paw preference in right-preferent female cats. The paw preference of the male cats and left-preferent female cats was not affected by this male sex hormone. It was concluded that testosterone may especially suppress the left brain to induce ambilaterality in right-paw preference in adult female cats.

Vertical trapezius myocutaneous flap for covering wide scalp defects

The vertical trapezius myocutaneous flap is extremely reliable, with its wide arc of rotation and its considerable soft tissue bulk, when resurfacing major defects following radical tumor surgery in the head and neck region. In this paper, the use of the vertical trapezius myocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of major scalp defects will be presented and its advantages discussed.

A rare case of Kaposi's sarcoma; hand localization

A case is reported of Kaposi's sarcoma in a very rare location, the palmar surface of the hand. Kaposi's sarcoma, which still has an unresolved etiology has recently gained great interest because of its close association with AIDS. In our case there had been recurrences even after two surgical interventions. The result of the histopathologic examination was reported as "fibrous histiocytoma" but was also suspected to be a "dermatofibroma". We considered malignancy and performed a wide and deep total excision of the lesion. The histopathologic findings showed Kaposi's sarcoma. Discussion persists in the literature whether to apply radiotherapy or surgery for the treatment of the solitary Kaposi's sarcoma lesion. We have thus far obtained a cure after excision.

Paw preference in cats: distribution and sex differences

Paw preference assessed by a food-reaching test was studied in male and female cats. Of the total sample (N = 66), 34 (51.5%) were right-preferent, 24 (36.4%) left-preferent, and 8 (12.1%) ambilateral. In the total sample, there was evidence for an overall paw preference, general paw preference, right-, and left-paw preference. The distribution of the right- minus left-paw reaches was neither normal, nor U or J shaped. Of the males (N = 24), 10 (41.7%) were right-pawed, 12 (50.5%) left-pawed, and 2 (8.3%) ambilateral. In males, there was evidence for an overall, general, and right-, left-paw preference relative to no preference. The right- minus left-paw reaches fitted to guassian data with two prominent peaks due to the right- and left-preferents. In females (N = 42), 22 (52.4%) were right-preferent, 14 (33.3%) left-preferent, and 6 (14.3%) ambilateral. There was an overall, general, and right-preference but not a left-preference relative to no preference. The distribution of the right- minus left-paw reaches was neither normal nor U or J shaped. The female right-preferents showed a right-bias compared to males. The left-preferent males were more left-preferent than the right-preferent males are right preferent. The mean right- minus left- paw reaches for the female right-preferents were significantly higher than those for the male right-preferents. There was no significant difference between the right- minus left-paw reaches of the male and female left-preferents. The paw preferences exhibited consistency over time; no learning tendencies were established during testing periods for at least 10 days. Considering the mean right-paw reaches for each successive day (N = 10), the mean right-paw uses in the right-preferents was higher in females than males. The mean left-paw uses in left-preferents was about the same for males and females. In males, the mean left-paw uses for the left-pawed males were higher than the right-paw reaches for the male right-preferents. In females, there was no difference between the right paw reaches of the right-preferents and the left-paw reaches of the left-preferents. It was concluded that there is a right-bias in paw preference of cats, which is caused by the female right-preferents under the influence of a biological factor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)