Search

Two cases of bezoar formation after vagotomy and drainage are reported. A review of the literature reveals the stomach to be the most common site of bezoar formation after operations involving vagotomy, whereas most bezoars occurring after gastrectomy are found in the small intestine. The reasons for this difference are discussed, as well as the clinical features and treatment of bezoar.

Several members of a black family from Southern Illinois were found to be heterozygous for HB JBangkok (αA2β56 gly→asp2), a hemoglobin abnormality previously described only in individuals of Thai, Chinese, or Indonesian ancestry. In two children (ages 3 and 8) Hb JBangkok was present in combination with sickle hemoglobin. Neither of these children demonstrated evidence of hemolytic disease, enlargement of the liver or spleen, or symptomatic sickle crises. The Hb J comprised 54%-59% of the total in all family members having this variant, in common with previous reports of this hemoglobin. Hb A2 and alkali-resistant hemoglobin were present in normal concentrations in all of the family members studied. Deoxygenated mixtures of Hbs S and JBangkok exhibited minimum gelation concentrations similar to those of equivalent mixtures of Hbs S and A.

Six patients underwent emergency surgery for descending aortic injury following blunt trauma to the chest; three survived. Associated injury was a critical factor in two of the three patients who died. In the third patient, prolonged ischemia of the lower half of the body due to total aortic distraction with a distal aortic flap produced irreversible changes that were manifest during reperfusion of the body. Angiography is recommended if the patient's condition is stable and other injuries demanding immediate surgical attention are not present. If, however, there are other serious injuries and adequate distal perfusion, then these other injuries should be corrected before aortic repair is undertaken.

1. Sodium transport studies were performed in erythrocytes from normal subjects and from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. Sodium influx and efflux rates were increased in erythrocytes from leukaemic patients. 2. The ouabain-sensitive component of sodium efflux was increased in leukaemic erythrocytes. 3. The high sodium efflux from leukaemic erythrocytes was decreased when the incubation media contained leukaemic plasma, suggesting the presence of an ouabain-like factor in the plasma. Paired experiments failed to show the presence of a similar factor in normal plasma. 4. Leukaemic erythrocytes showed a significantly greater ouabain uptake than the normal cells. 5. The results are discussed in relation to the widespread electrolyte disturbances in acute myeloid leukaemia.

Globin chain synthesis was studied in vitro with reticulocytes from a patient heterozygous for Hb Abraham Lincoln, an unstable beta chain variant. Synthesis of α-chains by the reticulocytes exceeded total β-chain synthesis, and a substantial fraction (about 16%) of radioactivity incorporated into globin was recovered from the cells as uncombined α subunits. In a time-course study, the ratio of α: β-chain specific activity was found to increase progressively in a nearly linear manner, suggesting that a fraction of newly synthesized β-chains had undergone rapid destruction. The specific activity of the abnormal β-chain was nearly three times that of ßA. The rate of synthesis of the β-chain of Hb Abraham Lincoln appeared to be approximately half that of the β-chain of Hb A.

Aspirin acetylates a variety of sites on both the α and β chains of hemoglobin S. Nevertheless, the vast majority of acetyl groups become attached to three loci: βLys 59, βLys 144, and αLys 90. These observations reveal some molecular details of this transacylation reaction and suggest interesting possibilities for its extension to other acylsalicylates with a variety of different structures.

Globin chain synthesis was studied in vitro with reticulocytes from a patient heterozygous for Hb Abraham Lincoln, an unstable beta chain variant. Synthesis of α-chains by the reticulocytes exceeded total β-chain synthesis, and a substantial fraction (about 16%) of radioactivity incorporated into globin was recovered from the cells as uncombined α subunits. In a time-course study, the ratio of α : β-chain specific activity was found to increase progressively in a nearly linear manner, suggesting that a fraction of newly synthesized β-chains had undergone rapid destruction. The specific activity of the abnormal β-chain was nearly three times that of βA. The rate of synthesis of the β-chain of Hb Abraham Lincoln appeared to be approximately half that of the β-chain of Hb A.

An electrophoretically fast-moving hemoglobin variant was found in a 2-yr-old boy who was referred for evaluation with findings of iron deficiency anemia. The anemia was corrected, and no hematologic abnormality remained after treatment with iron. Oxygen affinity of the blood was normal, and no evidence was found of instability of the variant hemoglobin. Structural studies demonstrated a substitution of aspartic acid for alanine at β76 (E20). This change did not appear to cause any functional disruption of the hemoglobin in this patient, as would be predicted by the position of the affected amino acid residue on the surface of the molecule.

10-Methoxydeserpidine caused a slow sustained fall in the arterial blood pressure of the anaesthetised cat when doses of 2 to 4 mg./kg. were given, an effect seen only when the initial blood pressure was high. Unlike reserpine and deserpidine, 10-methoxydeserpidine did not cause ptosis or loose stools in mice or rats when used at doses of from 10 to 80 mg./kg. and although pentobarbitone sleeping time was not increased, at higher doses of 40 to 80 mg./kg. there was reduction of motor activity, respiratory depression and some animals died. Unlike deserpidine the 10-methoxy derivative had no effect on the pressor responses to compression of the abdominal aorta or stimulation of the splanchnic nerve, but depressed the response to occlusion of the common carotid arteries. The LD50 of 10-methoxydeserpidine was found to be 82 ± 2–6 mg./kg. in mice. Methyl reserpate and reserpic acid showed reserpine-like activity in intact animals and isolated tissues only at very high doses.

The title compounds and some of their alkylidene and acyl derivatives have been prepared. A preliminary examination of representative compounds revealed negligible antibacterial activity against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.

Urinary excretion was the major route of excretion of intraperitoneally administered perphenazine dimethiodide-14C in rats. Peak blood level was observed at 0.5 hr. after the administration of the compound, and brain level was above the detectable level at the same period of time. Antimicrobial activities were demonstrated. The toxicity of quaternary ammonium salt of perphenazine on mice is higher than perphenazine.

Methacrylic acid and 12 methacrylate esters were tested for their effects upon contraction of the isolated guinea pig ileum. Each compound was employed at three concentration levels, ranging from 1:500 to 1:100,000 (v/v), depending upon activity and solubility of the compounds. Most of the compounds, except dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, produced an inhibition of spontaneous contractions of the isolated ileum which antagonized the stimulant actions of both acetylcholine and barium chloride. Although most of the methacrylate effects were readily washed out, 1,3-butylene dimethacrylate produced a relatively irreversible response. Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate stimulated the isolated ileum, an effect that was not blocked by 0.1-1 mcg. of atropine/ml. of tissue bath fluid. Those compounds producing inhibition were ranked in order of their relative activities in antagonizing acetylcholine- or barium-induced contraction by determining the approximate molar ratio (i.e., molar concentration of methacrylate per molar concentration of acetylcholine or barium chloride) required to produce 50% inhibition of the stimulant effect of acetylcholine or barium chloride.

The dissolution behavior of the acid and the sodium salt of this drug in phosphate buffers has been investigated. Data have been analyzed by relationships derived from the diffusion controlled model for dissolution of solids in reactive media. The results of this study show that surface conversion of the sodium salt to the acid occurs in the lower pH range of these studies. Calculations suggest that appreciable conversion takes place only after initial surface supersaturation ratios of about 20 or greater are achieved. Under conditions of much greater initial surface supersaturation ratios, a relatively impermeable acid surface coating is formed, and the dissolution rate is governed by this acid phase.

The theory for the dissolution rate of polyphase mixtures has been investigated and applied to several situations. Physical models involving simultaneous diffusion and rapid equilibria have led to relationships that describe experimental data rather well for the benzoic acid–salicylic acid, the benzocaine–caffeine, and the benzoic acid–trisodium phosphate mixtures.

Dursban, an organophosphorus insecticide, was applied on June 3, June 18, and July 1 to eight shallow (24 cm) experimental ponds near Bakersfield, California. Four ponds were treated at 0.028 kg/ha (=0.025 lb./acre), four were treated at 0.28 kg/ha, and four were kept as controls. Phytoplankton, zooplankton, and insect populations were sampled on 21 dates between May 20 and August 16. Insect larvae and nymphs were more reduced in numbers than were insect adults, reflecting in part the ability of the latter to emigrate and immigrate. Twenty—four—hour posttreatment samples for the second and third, but not first, treatments showed greater reductions of predaceous Notonectidae, Dytiscidae, Coenagrionidae, larval Hydrophilidae) than of "herbivorous" (Corixidae, Baetidae, adult Hydrophilidae) insect populations. Predaceous insect populations generally recovered to control—pond levels more slowly than herbivorous insect populations. Five weeks after the last insecticide treatment, predaceous insects averaged only 45% and 9% as abundant in low dose and high dose ponds, respectively, as they were in control ponds (P < 0.02); corresponding figures for herbivorous insects were 108% and 206% (P < 0.10). Initially, Cyclops vernalis and Moina micrura were the only crustacean zooplankters present, and both experienced high mortality due to treatments. Recovery in low dose ponds was variable, requiring 1—3 weeks, and in high dose ponds occurred only 3—6 weeks after the final treatment. Populations of Diaptomus pallidus seemed unaffected by the lower rate of treatment, but became large only after Cyclops populations had been reduced by the insecticide or other factors. Ceriodaphnia sp. became abundant in late July or early August in all four control ponds but not in any treated ponds. Herbivorous rotifers, principally in the genera Brachhionus, Polyarthra, Hexarthra, Filinia, and Tripleuchlanis, increased dramatically, often five— to twentyfold, within 1—3 days after Moina and Cyclops populations were decimated by Dursban, but became abundant in control ponds only during the brief absence of Moina in early July. All planktonic rotifers, except Polyarthra, were more abundant in treated than in contro ponds; all benthic—littoral rotifers (e.g., Lecane, Monostyle, Tripleuchlanis, Platyias, Lepadella, Testudinella) were more abundant in control than in treated ponds. The predaceous rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli was 35 times more abundant in treated than in control ponds, feeding primarily on herbivorous rotifers, sometimes on Cyclops, Diaptomus, Moina, and large algae, and rarely on small mayfly (Baetidae) nymphs and chironomid larvae. Asplanchna populations were composed of three morphotypes, ampulliform, cruciform, and campanuliform, the last of which tended to be highly cannibalistic. The "wings" of humps of the cruciform morphotype apparently represent a mechanism for minimizing such cannibalism. The reduction of herbivorous crustaceans by Dursban and the restraint of herbivorous rotifers by Asplanchna predation permitted the rapid increase of phytoplankton populations in treated ponds and, even 6 weeks after the last treatment, the phytoplankton was two and 16 times more abundant in low dose and high dose ponds, respectively, than in control ponds. Blooms of bluegreen algae (Anabaena, Anabaenopsis) developed in three high dose and one low dose pond, and a bloom of the diatom Synedra developed in one low dose pond. The long—spined alga Schroederia setigera seemed favored by high Moina and Diaptomuspopulations and low Cyclops populations. The significance of these results for insect—control programs is discussed.

Wheat (Triticum aestivumL. em Thell.) pollen dispersion was estimated, utilizing the Kramer‐Collins spore trap and tape on glass rods, in Kansas during 1966, 1968, and 1969. Seedset and yield were recorded in 1966 and 1968 on cytoplasmic male‐sterile (cms) lines. The malesterile sources were cms ‘Bison,’ ‘Shawnee,’ ‘Parker,’ ‘Scout,’ and ‘Aztec,’ with Shawnee B‐line as the pollen source. The male‐sterile lines extended 60 m north to south and 48 m east to west in 1968 and 1969, and 60 m in four directions in 1966. Pollen distribution, measured continuously in the Kramer‐Collins spore trap, gave a diurnal pattern in 1966 but not in 1968. Cold, cloudy weather in 1968 resulted in a low but nearly continuous pattern throughout the pollinating period. Pollen grains, as measured by tape on glass rods, decreased in numbers as distance from the pollen source increased, but were recorded as far as 60 m from the source. Beyond 3 m, the amount of pollen decreased rapidly. Seedset and yield patterns were similar to that of pollen number; thus, pollen number and seedset correlated significantly.

The impact of the rubella epidemic of 1964-1965 on an obstetric population of low socioeconomic level has been described. Thirty-one infants born to mothers with a history of rubella or with clinical findings suggestive of congenital rubella were encountered during the epidemic period. Twelve of the infants died. At 18 months only 2 of the surviving infants were free of congenital defect and neurosensory or neurological handicap. Initial recognition of congenital rubella infection was based on symptomatology shown by the infant (purpura, hepatosplenomegaly, pneumonitis, hepatitis, and cardiac and ocular lesions) more often than on maternal history early in the course of the outbreak. Affected infant showed a high incidence of intrauterine growth retardation and a high incidence of fetal distress at delivery . Forty per cent of infants had a low Apgar score at one minute. In this population, awareness of the adverse effects of maternal rubella on the developing fetus is low. Only 2 of the 31 mothers gave a history of physician- or clinic-diagnosed rubella during early pregnancy. Before preventive measures can be undertaken and before all infants of rubella mothers ca n be followed prospectively as a high-risk group, the level of medical knowledge must be increased in this population.

Out of 284 patients admitted to the Coronary-Care Unit, 60 patients showed an acute monophasic injury pattern (M-Complex) on their initial electrocardiogram (ECG). There were 13 fatalities on the first day of myocardial infarction; 6 from the M-complex group. Three of these 6 patients died with cardiac rupture. The ECG features of these 3 patients were compared with the 3 non-rupture patients. A progressive increase in the elevated R-ST segment of the M-complex with an upward ‘pull’ of the R-ST junction, proved to be an ominous ECG sign of impending cardiac rupture in patients with protracted chest pain and persistent hypertenison. The 3 non-rupture patients remained in a hypotensive state from admission to the time of death. Atrioventricular block and A-V junctional tachycardia were the commonest rhythm disturbances in patients dying with cardiac rupture.

Methacrylic acid and 12 methacrylate esters were evaluated for their effects upon blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, and respiration in anesthetized dogs following intravenous administration. All of these compounds increased respiratory rate, decreased heart rate, and produced electrocardio-graphic changes. The compounds could be divided into three types according to their effects on blood pressure: I, those producing a biphasic response, i.e., an abrupt fall followed by a secondary rise; II, those producing only a hypotensive effect; and III, one producing only a hypertensive response. The compounds comprising Type I were methacrylic acid; methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, and hydroxyethyl methacrylates; and 1,3-butylene dimethacrylate. Type II compounds were 2-ethylhexyl, isodecyl, lauryl, and tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylates. Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate produced the Type III response.

The aqueous extract of the hypobranchial glands of Thais haemastoma, administered intravenously to anesthetized cats at doses equivalent to 60–90mg. of fresh gland/kg. body weight, produced an increase in the blood pressure accompanied by tachycardia. These effects were partially blocked by hexamethonium bromide but were not modified by atropine or adrenergic blockade. In the isolated rabbit heart preparation, the extract caused an increase in the heart rate, coronary outflow, and amplitude of cardiac contractions. The extract produced marked contractions in the guinea pig ileum, rabbit duodenum, and rat uterus, which were blocked by atropine and hexamethonium bromide, and induced contractions in the frog rectus abdominismuscle, which were abolished by d-tubocurarine. It also blocked the conductions in the frog nerve–muscle preparations. It appeared that two active components were present in the hypobranchial gland extract; one produced a direct stimulatory effect on the blood pressure and heart actions and the other acted as a neuromuscular blocking agent of depolarizing type. The LD50in mice was found to be 215 mg./kg.

An analysis of static and moving bed perfect column chromatography is carried out for the separation of a binary mixture having constant separation factor isotherms. It is shown that the carrier requirements are identical for both methods of operation. The model does not provide information on the length of the moving bed column, but shows that the length of the static bed column can be made vanishingly small by reducing the duration of feed intervals. Furthermore, separating the feed bands only partially can - lead to a substantial reduction in the length of the static column at fixed separation rates.

Tests on aluminum, copper and brass blanks indicate that, provided proper hold-down methods are used, the limiting drawing ratio that can be obtained is almost independent of type of blank holder. A comparison of theoretical and experimental critical punch loads at failure shows that, for aluminum, good agreement can be obtained when drawing under all-round hydrostatic pressure. This method produces a reduction in die friction and a significant increase in limiting drawing ratio. There is an optimum hydrostatic pressure above which no advantage is to be obtained.