Methods to expose subsurface objects of interest identified from 3D imaging: The intermediate sample preparation stage in the correlative microscopy workflow

The correlative imaging workflow is a method of combining information and data across modes (e.g. SEM, X-ray CT, FIB-SEM), scales (cm to nm) and dimensions (2D-3D-4D), providing a more holistic interpretation of the research question. Often, subsurface objects of interest (e.g. inclusions, pores, cracks, defects in multilayered samples) are identified from initial exploratory nondestructive 3D tomographic imaging (e.g. X-ray CT, XRM), and those objects need to be studied using additional techniques to obtain, for example, 2D chemical or crystallographic data. Consequently, an intermediate sample preparation step needs to be completed, where a targeted amount of sample surface material is removed, exposing and revealing the object of interest. At present, there is not one singular technique for removing varied thicknesses at high resolution and on a range of scales from cm to nm. Here, we review the manual and automated options currently available for targeted sample material removal, with a focus on those methods which are readily accessible in most laboratories. We summarise the approaches for manual grinding and polishing, automated grinding and polishing, microtome/ultramicrotome, and broad-beam ion milling (BBIM), with further review of other more specialist techniques including serial block face electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), and ion milling and laser approaches such as FIB-SEM, Xe plasma FIB-SEM, and femtosecond laser/LaserFIB. We also address factors which may influence the decision on a particular technique, including the composition, shape and size of the samples, sample mounting limitations, the amount of surface material to be removed, the accuracy and/or resolution of peripheral parts, the accuracy and/or resolution of the technique/instrumentation, and other more general factors such as accessibility to instrumentation, costs, and the time taken for experimentation. It is hoped that this study will provide researchers with a range of options for removal of specific amounts of sample surface material to reach subsurface objects of interest in both correlative and non-correlative workflows.

Providing uninterrupted oral oncolytic therapies during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Background: Uninterrupted utilization of oral oncolytics is critical to maximizing safety and efficacy of cancer treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges to delivering a continuous and safe supply of oral oncolytics to patients with cancer including potential loss of insurance coverage, patient lost income making copays more difficult, remote pharmacy staffing difficulties, and logistical challenges in safely distributing drug to cancer patients. Tennessee Oncology has an in-house Specialty Pharmacy that utilizes home delivery of oral oncolytics while coordinating care with providers during changing patient situations. Methods: We analyzed patients who received an oral oncolytic from our pharmacy in two periods: January-May 2019 and January-May 2020. We compared the aggregate patient copay amounts during these periods, the number of patients who utilized copay assistance or foundational financial support. For insights on continuation we also assessed the medication possession ratios (MPR, the sum of the day’s supply for all fills of a given drug in a particular period divided by the number of days in that period) during these time periods for five of our most commonly dispensed drugs. Results: The aggregate patient copay was similar between the two time periods. A 22% increase in the utilization of copay cards indicated patient’s insurance coverage was sustained. We also observed a 12% increase in the number of patients utilizing foundation support for prescriptions filled. MPRs for five commonly dispensed oral oncolytics were unchanged during COVID-19. Conclusions: Our in-house specialty pharmacy maintained delivery of oral oncolytics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient cost share was contained by our pharmacy staff proactively utilizing copay cards for all eligible patients and diligently securing foundational grant support. The pharmacy interventions allowed for affordability, uninterrupted pharmacy operations, and consistent medication supply. This led to continued medication adherence. MPR for the 5 top dispensed medications was consistent in a year-on-year comparison. [Table: see text]

The effects of COVID-19 on new oral oncolytic treatments

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Background: Dependable and timely dispensing and delivery of oral oncolytics to patients with a new indication for therapy is a central part of modern cancer care. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous impediments and challenges to patients receiving oral therapy from many specialty pharmacies in a timely due to remote pharmacy staffing and drug shipment. Tennessee Oncology has an integrated URAC and ACHC accredited Specialty Pharmacy to ensure the seamless care for our patients prescribed oral oncolytics. We investigated the effect of COVID-19 on the number of patients initiating care with an oral oncolytic and the time to fill during the pandemic. Methods: We analyzed the number of overall new patients to the practice and new patients receiving oral oncolytics in two year-to-year comparisons: (1) January-March 2019 vs. January-March 2020 and (2) April-May 2019 vs. April-May 2020. We then compared the average pharmacy turnaround time (defined as the time of entry of a regimen in the electronic medical record that contained an oral oncolytic until the time that prescription was ready for shipment) and the average time from regimen entry until the patient received that medication. Prescriptions received and filled on the day of order entry were recorded as a one-day turnaround time. Results: A year to year increase of 7% in practice new-patient volume was associated with a 13% increase in new oral oncolytic patients from January-March 2020. Year to year April and May comparisons, noted a 33% decrease in new-patient volume to our practice with an associated 10% decrease in new oral oncolytic patients. Time to fill remained consistent in March and April 2020 at 1.84 days vs. 1.78 for 2019. The time from regimen entry to patient shipment receipt was also stable year to year (3.10 vs. 3.06 days). Conclusions: Our in-house Specialty Pharmacy was able to continue delivery of new prescriptions for oral oncolytics during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a fall in the number of new patient dispensing in April-May 2020 that we attribute to a decrease in cancer diagnoses related to COVID-19 as reflected by a fall in total practice new patients. New patient on-boarding activities including prior authorizations, co-pay assistance, patient education were maintained and the measured time to fill from regimen entry to patient receipt were unchanged.

Maintaining treatment volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Background: Uninterrupted care is essential for optimal outcomes in cancer care. The COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges in providing continuity of care for many facilities. Our practice was able to deliver ongoing treatment for a large volume of our patients while maintaining a safe environment. Methods: A practice-wide effort to continue therapy in cancer patients undergoing active treatment began in March 2020 as the peak of the pandemic was beginning in Tennessee. Those patients who were receiving active treatment continued the planned treatment while reducing non-acute treatment visits. We assessed the volume of patients receiving treatments in our facilities for two periods: JanuaryDecember 2019 and January-May 2020. We compared the aggregate number of chemotherapy infusions, therapeutic infusions and injections as well as total treatments. Results: Overall, treatments remained relatively stable without a significant change in treatment volumes. There was a 3.69% decline in total treatment with therapeutic infusions (-9.68%) and injections (-7.85%) which accounted for the majority of deferred treatments. Chemotherapy infusions remained stable with an average increase (1.90%) in treatments. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, our facility was able to maintain stable treatment numbers while providing safe care to our patients. We had no known diagnosed COVID-19 cases from potential exposures in our clinics. Decreases in treatment reflected less critical therapies. There did seem to be a delay for chemotherapy/immunotherapy that seemed to resolve as the peak passed for this region. Offloading of less critical treatments can result in continued treatment of cancer patients during a pandemic. [Table: see text]

The neural correlates of emotional prosody comprehension: disentangling simple from complex emotion

Background

Emotional prosody comprehension (EPC), the ability to interpret another person's feelings by listening to their tone of voice, is crucial for effective social communication. Previous studies assessing the neural correlates of EPC have found inconsistent results, particularly regarding the involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). It remained unclear whether the involvement of the mPFC is linked to an increased demand in socio-cognitive components of EPC such as mental state attribution and if basic perceptual processing of EPC can be performed without the contribution of this region.

Methods

fMRI was used to delineate neural activity during the perception of prosodic stimuli conveying simple and complex emotion. Emotional trials in general, as compared to neutral ones, activated a network comprising temporal and lateral frontal brain regions, while complex emotion trials specifically showed an additional involvement of the mPFC, premotor cortex, frontal operculum and left insula.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the mPFC and premotor areas might be associated, but are not crucial to EPC. However, the mPFC supports socio-cognitive skills necessary to interpret complex emotion such as inferring mental states. Additionally, the premotor cortex involvement may reflect the participation of the mirror neuron system for prosody processing particularly of complex emotion.

Pathogenicity of the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii for veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus)

Veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) were experimentally challenged with the fungus Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV). Chameleons were exposed to conidia in their captive environment, or were inoculated by direct application of a conidial suspension inoculum on intact and on abraded skin. The CANV induced lesions in all experimental groups and was recovered from infected animals, fulfilling Koch's postulates and confirming that it may act as a primary fungal pathogen in this species of reptile. A breach in cutaneous integrity, as simulated by mild scarification, increased the risk of infection but was not required for the CANV to express pathogenicity. Initial hyphae proliferation occurred in the outer epidermal stratum corneum, with subsequent invasion of the deeper epidermal strata and dermis. A spectrum of lesions was observed ranging from liquefactive necrosis of the epidermis to granulomatous inflammation in the dermis. CANV dermatomycosis appears to be contagious and can readily spread within a reptile collection, either directly through contact with infective arthroconidia or indirectly via fomites. Dense tufts of arthroconidiating hyphae were demonstrated histologically on the skin surface of many animals that developed dermatomycosis, and these arthroconidia may act as infective propagules involved in the transfer of disease between reptiles.

Potential effects of managed care on specialty practice at a university medical center

BACKGROUND

The growth of managed care presents a challenge to academic medical centers, because the demand for the services of specialists is likely to continue decreasing. We estimated the number of enrollees the University of Michigan Medical Center would need in its health maintenance organization (HMO) system in order to provide revenue equivalent to the total revenue it received for professional specialty care in 1992.

METHODS

Rates of utilization and payment were based on the medical center's experience with managed care in 1992 in its independent practice association HMO, in which 25,000 members had capitated coverage and received primary and all specialty care from university physicians, and 15,000 members received primary care and most specialty care from physicians outside the university. We assumed that persons not enrolled in Medicare were all enrolled in managed-care plans. Primary care activity was excluded from the calculations of expense, revenue, and numbers of faculty members.

RESULTS

If all specialty services were provided by the university to HMO members, all the 21 specialties examined except obstetrics and gynecology and emergency services would require an enrollment of more than 250,000 to support the 1992 level of professional revenue and maintain the number of faculty members. If university services were provided only for referrals from a loosely affiliated network of community physicians in the HMO system, all the 19 specialties examined except plastic surgery would require an HMO enrollment of more than 1 million. In a combined model in which all specialty services were provided to 100,000 HMO members and network referrals were provided to 500,000 members, substantial changes in faculty composition would be needed in all the departments studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the large number of HMO members required, unless other changes occur, it is unrealistic to expect that the University of Michigan Medical Center could create an HMO or network large enough to support the specialty practice of the current number of faculty members at the 1992 level of financing.

Comparison of the pharmacology and signal transduction of the human cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors

The recently cloned CB2 cannabinoid receptor subtype was stably transfected into AtT-20 and Chinese hamster ovary cells to compare the binding and signal transduction properties of this receptor with those of the CB1 receptor subtype. The binding of [3H]CP 55,940 to both CB1 and CB2 was of similar high affinity (2.6 and 3.7 nM, respectively) and saturable. In competitive binding experiments, (-)-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and CP 55,940 were equipotent at the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but WIN 55212-2 and cannabinol bound with higher affinity to the CB2 than the CB1 receptor. HU 210 had a higher affinity for the CB1 receptor. Anandamide, a recently identified endogenous cannabinoid agonist, was essentially equipotent at both receptor subtypes. The structurally related fatty acid ethanolamides dihomo-gamma-linolenylethanolamide and mead ethanolamide also bound with relatively equal affinity to both receptors, but adrenylethanolamide had a higher affinity for the CB1 receptor. The rank order of potency and efficacy for binding of the selected agonists to the CB1 and CB2 receptors was mimicked in functional inhibition of cAMP accumulation experiments for all compounds tested. Both CB1 and CB2 receptors couple to the inhibition of cAMP accumulation that was pertussis toxin sensitive. SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist, was a poor antagonist at the CB2 receptor in both binding and functional inhibition of cAMP accumulation experiments. When expressed in AtT-20 cells, the CB1 receptor mediated an inhibition of Q-type calcium channels and an activation of inward rectifying potassium channels. In contrast, the CB2 receptor did not modulate the activity of either channel under identical assay conditions. Similar to results obtained for CB1 receptor, the CB2 receptor did not couple to the activation of phospholipases A2, C, or D or to the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. Except for its inability to couple to the modulation of Q-type calcium channels or inwardly rectifying potassium channels, the CB1 and CB2 receptors display similar pharmacological and biochemical properties.

The lateral limited thoracotomy incision: standard for pulmonary operations

Four hundred sixty-eight consecutive thoracotomies for which the lateral limited thoracotomy incision was used are reviewed (1978 to 1988). The limited incision is a lateral muscle-splitting incision with preservation of the latissimus dorsi, splitting of the serratus anterior, and cutting of only the intercostal muscles without rib resection. Patients were designated unsuitable for operation if (1) biopsy-proved distant metastasis existed, (2) mediastinoscopy revealed extranodal metastasis, or (3) severe respiratory compromise resulted in shortness of breath at rest with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second of less than 0.75 L (four patients). Mean patient age was 60.9 (+/- 15.7) years. Surgical procedures included lobectomy (n = 317), pneumonectomy (n = 41), wedge resection (n = 82), resections of blebs or bullae (n = 17), thoracotomy and biopsy for unresectable lesion (n = 6), and decortication (n = 5). Pathologic analysis revealed 354 malignant tumors, 102 benign lesions, and 12 carcinoids. The perioperative mortality rate was 0.85% (4/468) and major morbidity was present in 2.9% (14/468). Mean operative time was 73.1 (+/- 32.2) minutes with a blood loss resulting in a mean decrease of the hematocrit value of 2.6 (+/- 2.5) gm; three patients were given a total of 7 units of blood. Most patients do not require a stay in the intensive care unit postoperatively (less than 10%). Hospital stay postoperatively was a mean of 6.1 (+/- 2.9 days. The limited incision is a significant factor in decreasing operative time, blood loss, postoperative pain and morbidity, and cost.

Distal splenorenal shunt: standard procedure for elective and emergency treatment of bleeding esophageal varices

The distal splenorenal shunt has been advocated for patients with bleeding esophageal varices because it is a selective shunt which decompresses the varices while preserving hepatic flow. The procedure appeared sound physiologically and since 1976, the distal splenorenal shunt has been our procedure of choice for both emergency and elective situations. Our series of 43 patients included 6 patients in Child's class A, 18 in Child's class B, and 19 in Child's class C. The operative mortality rate was 4.7 percent (2 of 43 patients) and there were 34 long-term survivors (79 percent). Use of modern cardiovascular techniques is an essential facet of the surgeon's technical ability to achieve low morbidity and mortality rates. In the present series, the average blood loss was 440 ml and the average operative time, 2 1/2 hours. The distal splenorenal shunt can be performed for emergency and elective therapy of bleeding esophageal varices with a low incidence of complications and death and excellent long-term quality of life.

Persistent hemorrhagic gastritis in a patient with portal hypertension and esophagogastric varices: the role of portal decompressive surgery

Our patient, with cirrhosis, portal hypertension, varices, and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding from hemorrhagic gastritis, illustrates an important therapeutic principle. Since the gastritis is related to vascular changes and congestion of the stomach wall secondary to increased portal pressure, and not inflammation, measures aimed at local healing or surgical removal of the bleeding area fail. One must attempt to lower portal pressure with drugs such as propranolol and/or undertake portal decompressive surgery.

Growth hormone-releasing factor induces c-fos expression in cultured primary pituitary cells

GH-releasing factor (GRF) and somatostatin regulates the secretion and biosynthesis of GH as well as the proliferation of GH-producing cells. In order to further characterize the mitogenic effect of GRF, we studied the expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos in primary pituitary cells. Maximal induction of c-fos mRNA was observed 20-60 min after stimulation with 5 nM GRF, returning to basal levels after 2 h. Somatostatin-14 (5 nM) partially inhibited the GRF induced c-fos expression. Forskolin and phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate induced c-fos gene in cultured primary pituitary cells with similar kinetics. Transcription of the fos gene was accompanied by biosynthesis of the fos protein. Indirect immunofluorescence using a fos specific antibody, showed exclusive nuclear localization of the fos protein. These data demonstrate that GRF and somatostatin, in addition to regulating GH secretion and somatotroph proliferation, can also regulate the expression of c-fos proto-oncogene in primary somatotrophs.

Scientific presentations. What to do and what not to do

An effective scientific presentation requires skill, experience, and effort. In planning the presentation, a skilled speaker first forms clear conclusions through analysis of the data, then tailors the details of the proof of these conclusions to the interests and background of the audience. The facts and conclusions are presented in a practiced, specific, clear, and logical manner. It is not the topic or the data alone, but the sympathetic and strategic communication of the material to a particular audience that makes a meaningful presentation.

Abdominal and right thoracotomy approach as standard procedure for esophagogastrectomy with low morbidity

A series of recent articles advocate that blunt esophagectomy through neck and abdominal incisions has superior perioperative results to esophagogastrectomy via thoracotomy and abdominal approach. This prompted a review of a personal series of 40 consecutive esophagogastrectomies performed between July 1978 and December 1985. Diseases included squamous cell cancer in 15 patients, adenocarcinoma in 22, Barrett's esophagus with cancer in two, and fibromyomatoses in one. The approach was en bloc resection through an abdominal incision and right thoracotomy; a cervical incision and anastomosis was added for proximal lesions. All anastomoses were hand-sewn interrupted suture technique. Perioperative results were superior to those reported for blunt esophagectomy. Mortality was zero, no anastomotic leaks occurred, and no major pulmonary complications were seen. Four of the 40 patients required blood transfusions that totaled 8 units. Average preoperative hematocrit value was 38.9% +/- 5.44% (standard deviation) and postoperative hematocrit value was 35.57% +/- 6.06% (standard deviation). Average operating time was three hours and 26 minutes +/- 41.43 minutes and hospital stay was 11.1 +/- 4.62 days (standard deviation). Three patients required transient anastomotic dilations. It is concluded that esophagogastric en bloc resection which uses an abdominal and right thoracic approach can be accomplished with a low morbidity and mortality. A limited thoracic incision, double-lumen endotracheal tube, and self-retaining retraction on the lung minimized pulmonary trauma and respiratory problems were not a factor.

Saphenous vein coronary bypass graft revisited

To establish a benchmark for the clinical efficacy of PTCA and the IMA graft in our institution, the data from 79 patients who underwent isolated SVBG to the LAD between July, 1971, and December, 1984, were analyzed. Follow-up averaged 96.16 months/patient. Actuarial freedom from reoperation was 100% at 12 months, 95% at 60 months, and 89.4% at 120 months. Actuarial freedom from cardiac death was 100% at 12 months, 94% at 60 months, and 87% at 120 months. Actuarial freedom from an LAD graft failure myocardial event was 100% at 12 month, 94% at 60 months, and 77% at 120 months. Our SVBG failure rate did increase from 1.2%/year during the first 5 years to 3.4%/year during the second 5 years. We are presently selectively employing IMA grafts to the LAD. Our results with the SVBG and the palliative nature of all coronary artery bypass graft procedures remove the imperative to always use the IMA. Individual patient considerations such as age, clinical stability, IMA flow, and the residual anatomy for the potential reoperation are important considerations.

c-fos expression is neither sufficient nor obligatory for differentiation of monomyelocytes to macrophages

The c-fos gene is rapidly and transiently expressed when human U-937 and HL-60 leukemia cells are induced to differentiate to macrophages. We show that the expression of c-fos is controlled primarily at the transcriptional level. c-fos mRNA is very labile, with a half-life of less than 30 min. Superinduction of c-fos in the presence of cycloheximide occurs primarily because of stabilization of c-fos mRNA. When U-937 cells are serum-stimulated or treated with diacylglycerol, a c-kinase agonist, c-fos is transiently expressed to high levels; however, the cells fail to differentiate to macrophages. Furthermore, HL-60 cell variants resistant to TPA can be induced to differentiate to macrophages in the absence of detectable c-fos expression.

Structural alteration of viral homologue of receptor proto-oncogene fms at carboxyl terminus

A role for proto-oncogenes in the regulation and modulation of cell proliferation has been suggested by the findings that the B-chain of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is encoded by the proto-oncogene sis and that the erb-B oncogene product is a truncated form of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Furthermore, the product of the proto-oncogene fms (c-fms) may be related or identical to the receptor for macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1). v-fms is the transforming gene of the McDonough strain of feline sarcoma virus (SM-FeSV) and belongs to the family of src-related oncogenes which have tyrosine-specific kinase activity. Furthermore, nucleotide sequence analysis of the v-fms gene product revealed topological properties of a cell-surface receptor protein. To elucidate the features involved in the conversion of a normal cell-surface receptor gene into an oncogenic one, we have now determined the complete nucleotide sequence of a human c-fms complementary DNA. The 972-amino-acid c-fms protein has an extracellular domain, a membrane-spanning region, and a cytoplasmic tyrosine protein kinase domain. Comparison of the feline v-fms and human c-fms sequences reveals that the proteins share extensive homology but have different carboxyl termini.

Long-term experience with mitral valve replacement: an evolving strategy for prosthesis selection

MVR was examined in 181 patients undergoing 188 consecutive operations during a 12 1/2-year observation time. Hospital mortality for MVR without aortic valve disease was 7 of 156 or 4.5% and was independent of the valve type employed and the presence of coronary artery pathology. Late cardiac mortality in isolated MVR was significantly greater in those patients receiving a Starr-Edward 6120 prosthesis when compared to those receiving an MPX. The presence of coronary artery pathology, however, defines the patient subgroup with the poorest late survival. Tissue durability has not significantly altered late survival after MPX. However, the actuarial analysis of tissue failure reveals important increases in tissue failure incidence 5 years after placement. Although MPX is our prosthesis of choice for MVR, limited tissue durability creates an important subgroup for judicious use of a mechanical prosthesis. We conclude that no valve type should be championed as "the valve" for all patients undergoing MVR. The selection of a valve for MVR remains a difficult judgment which must be tempered by the patients age, history of previous operations, severity of his present illness, and the feasibility of a second MVR.

Rapid induction of the expression of proto-oncogene fos during human monocytic differentiation

The differentiation into macrophages of the monocytic cell line U-937 or the monomyelocytic cell line HL-60 induced by phorbol esters is accompanied by a rapid induction of the expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos. Maximal levels of c-fos gene transcripts accumulate within 20-30 min following induction. By 2 hr, the c-fos-specific mRNA level drops 5 to 10 fold below that detected at 30 min after induction. The concentration of c-fos mRNA remains unchanged for the next 5 days, at which time over 99% of the viable precursor cells are converted to adherent macrophages. c-fos protein can be detected within 20 min of induction, reaching maximal levels by 40-60 min. Little or no c-fos protein is detected by 120-150 min after induction, even though c-fos mRNA remains detectable. Presence of cycloheximide leads to superinduction of c-fos mRNA transcripts. No c-fos gene transcripts are detected when the HL-60 cell line is induced with Me2SO to differentiate to granulocytes. A role for the c-fos protein is envisaged in the monocyte differentiation pathway.

The surgical management of acute and chronic injuries of the thoracic aorta

The clinical diagnosis of traumatic descending thoracic aortic aneurysm is not obvious but is usually suggested on a roentgenogram of the chest. The diagnosis, therefore, is based upon a high index of suspicion and confirmed by an angiogram. Femoral-femoral bypass is a safe approach, assuring adequate distal perfusion and, thereby, avoiding problems of ischemia. By assuring adequate distal perfusion and preserving all possible intercostal arteries, spinal cord injury was avoided in this series.

Association of pp60src and src protein kinase activity with the plasma membrane of nonpermissive and permissive avian sarcoma virus-infected cells

The intracellular localization of pp60src and src protein kinase activity in avian sarcoma virus (ASV)-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts and transformed and morphologically reverted field vole cells was examined by subcellular fractionation procedures. Fractionation by differential centrifugation of Dounce-homogenized cellular extracts prepared from vole cells showed that 83 to 91% of pp60src sedimented with particulate subcellular components from both transformed and revertant vole cells. A slightly lesser amount (60 to 70%) of pp60src was found associated with the particulate fraction from ASV-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts. The distribution of src protein kinase activity in the cytosol and particulate cell fractions was identical to that of pp60src, indicating no detectable differences in the activity of cytosol- and particulate-associated pp60src. When subcellular components of the cell were fractionated by discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation, similar amounts of both pp60src and src protein kinase activity cosedimented with the plasma membrane fractions from both transformed and revertant vole cells, as well as from ASV-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts. src protein kinase activity associated with plasma membrane fractions prepared from vole cells and ASV-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts was resistant to extraction with high salt concentrations, but partial elution was achieved with nonionic detergent. Thus, in both transformed and morphologically reverted vole cells, pp60src is intimately associated with the plasma membrane. Since transforming virus can be rescued from revertant vole cells by fusion to chicken embryo fibroblasts, revertant vole cell pp60src is capable of inducing morphological transformation. Thus, although the data presented herein suggest that transformation requires the association of pp60src with the plasma membrane, the binding of pp60src to the plasma membrane per se is insufficient to induce morphological transformation and requires the additional interaction with a specific target membrane protein which appears to be defective in revertant vole cells.

Trace elements in soils and crops

To demonstrate the total amounts to be expected in soils, the ranges of contents of some 60 trace elements in ten representative Scottish arable surface soils are compared with ranges in soil-forming rocks and with crustal averages. It is, however, the amounts potentially available to plants rather than the total contents that are biologically significant. In temperate climates, trace element mobilization is greatest when weathering takes place under conditions of impeded pedological drainage, leading to the formation of gleyed soils. Mobilized trace elements occur in arable surface soils largely in adsorbed and chelated forms, which are available to plants to a greater or smaller extent depending on the prevailing soil parameters and on the element in question. Different species take up different amounts of trace elements: the proportions in the various plant parts vary with the element and the stage of growth. Information is required about the mobilization and uptake of many elements about which little is at present known but which may affect the functions of essential elements through inter-element interactions. Systematic soil surveys in which soils are mapped by associations related to parent material, with their series related to genetic soil types, provide a useful countrywide guide to trace element status.

Replication of vesicular stomatitis virus facilitated by Shope fibroma virus in vivo

Previous studies show that Shope fibroma virus facilitates replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in some rabbit cells grown in vitro. In the present investigation, the possibility that these two viruses can also interact in vivo was determined. Rabbits inoculated intradermally with both viruses together, or each separately, were examined for the formation of lesions or tumors and for the production of infectious virus. The presence of VSV interfered with tumorigenesis by Shope fibroma virus. In tumors already formed, production of infectious VSV was greater than in normal skin. Hence, each virus affected the other. Sera and tissues of normal rabbits were found to contain a substance which inhibits VSV; this may act to limit replication of VSV in rabbit skin. In addition, cultured rabbit skin cells appeared to adsorb VSV inefficiently. When persistently infected by Shope fibroma virus, however, adsorption of VSV was markedly improved. Our results suggest that in vivo Shope fibroma virus may facilitate adsorption of VSV to reduce the effect of a natural inhibitor and consequently enhance production of infectious virus.

Coronary artery spasm. medical management, surgical denervation, and autotransplantation

Coronary artery spasm was induced by intravascular administration of ergonovine maleate (Ergotrate) during cardiac catheterization. In 78 patients suspected to have Prinzmetal's angina, no morbidity or death has resulted despite complete occlusive spasm in two and three coronary arteries. Typical EKG changes and akinesia of the myocardium in the distribution of the occluded vessels documented functional myocardial ischemia during spasm. The occlusive spasm is readily reversed by sublingual or intravascular nitroglycerin, and ventricular contractility returns to normal following relief of spasm. Occlusive spasm has been demonstrated in 15 patients with clinical evidence of Prinzmetal's angina. Symptoms have been effectively relieved by coronary vasodilators in 10 patients. Of the 5 patients in whom medical therapy failed, 4 were treated surgically. These 4 patients were in the intensive care unit with protracted, prolonged pain, subendocardial infarctions, and persistent failure of coronary vasodilators. Aorta-coronary bypass grafts have been combined with total cardiac denervation by autotransplantation (one patient) and total cardiac denervation by stripping of the great vessels (3 patients). Two of the patients treated by cardiac denervation died in the early postoperative period. The patient treated by autotransplantation has total relief of symptoms but persistent spasm on angiography. The angiographic demonstration of occlusive coronary spasm remains a valuable diagnostic tool to document definitively the presence of spasm. The surgical results question the value of surgical intervention in this disease.

Fertility of frozen chicken semen after intravaginal and intrauterine inseminations using various concentrations and equilibration times of dimethylsulfoxide and a range of freezing and thawing rates

The use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotective agent for freezing chicken semen was examined with respect to intravaginal (I.V.) and intrauterine(I.U.) inseminations. Semen diluted in DMSO was subjected to various freeze rates, equilibration times and thawing rates. Various concentrations of DMSO were examined as was the effect of diluting DMSO with phosphate buffer and Lake's solution. There was no significant (p greater than 0.05) effect of rate of freeze (ranging from 1.3 degrees C to 7.2 degrees C. per min) on fertility. However, rapid thawing in an ice bath resulted in a longer (p less than 0.05) duration of fertility than thawing at 1 degree C. per min., but had no effect on percent fertility during duration or percent hens fertile. Equilibration time and concentration of DMSO had no significant (p greater than 0.05) effects on fertility. There was no interaction between insemination route and Lake's solution vs. phosphate buffer with respect to duration of fertility. It was concluded that intrauterine (I.U.) insemination resulted in superior fertility to intravaginal (I.V.) inseminations with semen frozen in DMSO.

A note on the lack of difference in fertility between old and young hens when inseminated with frozen semen

Semen was frozen (in glycerol) from 24 males (9 months of age) of a commercial broiler line and was inseminated intravaginally into old (19 months of age) and young (7 months of age) commercial Leghorn females. Duration of fertility, percent fertility during duration and percent hens fertile were measured. The means for old and young hens respectively, were: duration of fertility (1.4 +/- 0.4 and 1.6 +/- 0.5 days), percent fertility (19.1 +/- 5.1 and 15.9 +/- 5.1) and percent hens fertile (29.2 +/- 7.7 and 25.3 +/- 7.2). The "t" test revealed no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences between old and young females in fertility.

Cricopharyngeal myotomy: treatment of dysphagia

Six patients are presented who underwent cricopharyngeus myotomy for dysphagia. The clinical history and cine studies appear to be the most useful assessments in defining patients with dysphagia who may improve after a myotomy. Etiological factors which may precipitate poor coordination of the swallowing mechanism and a relative cricopharyngeus muscle obstruction include neuromuscular disorders, radical oral surgery, central nervous disease, and idiopathic disorders, although the exact physiology of the cricopharyngeus muscle in health and disease is not as yet delineated, the muscle is being implicated in many problems as the inciting factor of upper esophageal dysphagia. The operation of cricopharyngeus myotomy is a relatively simple procedure and should be done with little morbidity and mortality in properly selected cases.

Copper and molybdenum in subcellular fractions of rat liver

1. Black-hooded weanling rats were given a copper-deficient diet or diets providing 3 ppm Cu with or without supplements containing combinations of molybdate, sulphate and sulphide salts to provide 35 ppm molybdenum and 2μg atoms sulphur/g. Changes in weight and blood haemoglobin concentration were studied during 48 d of treatment. The subcellular distribution of Cu and Mo in the liver was subsequently determined.

2. Rats fed on the Cu-deficient diet had a lower growth rate than animals receiving 3 ppm Cu and suffered a decline in blood haemoglobin concentration; Mo supplementation of the diet providing 3 ppm Cu produced similar adverse effects on growth but not on Hb. Effects of Mo on growth were exacerbated by a sulphide supplement which also decreased the rate of the gain in Hb concentration. This concentration of dietary sulphide was without effect when Mo was omitted from the diet.

3. The Cu-deficient diet decreased both the Cu concentration and proportion of total liver Cu in mitochondria + microsome and supernatant fractions of liver.

4. Mo-supplemented diets greatly increased both the Cu and Mo contents of all liver fractions. This phenomenon is considered in relation to previous suggestions that an unavailable Cu–Mo complex can form in tissues as a response to Mo accumulation.