Atherosclerosis, with special reference to vitamin E

The relationship between atherosclerosis and fat soluble vitamin, especially vitamin E is reviewed on the basis of oxidised modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Data now support the notion that the oxidised LDL is present in the blood and arterial wall and antioxidant drugs such as probucol and vitamin E, beta-carotene, may prevent the progression of atherosclerosis. LDL alpha-tocopherol levels are generally correlated to the plasma concentrations and supplementation with alpha-tocopherol increases its content in LDL. There is a significant correlation between the LDL alpha-tocopherol level and the resistance to oxidative modification. Epidemiological data also shows the relation between low levels of plasma vitamin E and the increased incidence of coronary heart disease. Clinical application of vitamin E should be clarified in detail to inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis.     

The perception of bodily sensations, with special reference to hypochondriasis

Bodily sensations are relevant to problems such as hypochondriasis, but the issue of whether people are accurate in their perception remains unclear. The accuracy of perception of bodily sensations was analysed in 20 male and 20 female volunteers using two methods: a heart beat tracking procedure and the within-S correlational approach described by Steptoe and V?gele (1992, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 30, 597-607). The correlational approach involved monitoring of heart rate, skin conductance level and total respiratory resistance during relaxation and task periods, and computing correlations between appropriate physiological parameters and ratings of heart rate, sweaty hands and difficulty with breathing. In general, subjective ratings of bodily sensations were tied more closely with feelings of distress than with objective physiological state. Error scores on the heart beat tracking procedure showed no association with hypochondriacal concerns or with vigilant and avoidant coping styles measured with the Mainz Coping Inventory. Individuals varied considerably in accuracy as assessed with the correlational approach. However, there was a significant negative association between hypochondriacal concerns and accuracy of perception of sweat gland activity. The results are discussed in relation to measures of somatic perception and the experience of bodily sensations.     

Cerebral abscess with special reference to the angiographic changes

From 1961 to 1973 forty patients with surgically confirmed intracranial abscesses had preoperative cerebral angiography. The findings were abnormal in all cases but one. In 20 patients (50%) the primary diagnosis was a space-occupying lesion. In 19 patients (47.5%) an abscess was suggested by the presence of a capsule, the only finding definitely diagnostic of an abscess. Subtraction technique provided essential information in detecting the capsule. Angiography proved indispensable in suggesting the nature of the lesion.     

Increment-threshold spectral sensitivity in the squirrel monkey.

Measured the spectral sensitivity of 5 adult squirrel monkeys and 2 human males in an increment-threshold context. Under conditions of dark adaptation the spectral sensitivity of the squirrel monkey was closely similar to that of man. For conditions of light adaptation, the squirrel monkey showed maximal sensitivity at 540 nm. with subsidiary peaks at 600 and 440 nm. Relative to man, the squirrel monkey was considerably less sensitive to wavelengths longer than 580 nm. For this species there are substantial differences between the spectral sensitivity functions determined by increment-threshold methods and those obtained using critical flicker frequency (CFF) techniques. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Detection of intracranial tumours with special reference to immunodiagnosis

Approximately 60% of cerebral infarcts between 1 and 4 weeks old may be enhanced by contrast material. A recent infarct can be missed if contrast material is not used; however, recent infarcts can also be partially obscured by the contrast medium, so that a precontrast scan is necessary. Infarcts, arteriovenous malformations, and gliomas may appear similar on the CT scan. Recent infarcts can have a significant mass effect (seen in 22% of cases), and their anatomical location and morphology may or may not be helpful in the differential diagnosis. Ipsilateral ventricular dilatation, homogeneous low-density areas, and sharp margins are usually found in older infarcts.     

Gunshot fatalities in Stockholm, Sweden with special reference to the use of illegal weapons

During the years 1980-1992 the Swedish legislation regarding possession and use of firearms has remained fairly unchanged. Simultaneously the reported incidence of both stolen firearms and confiscation of illegally possessed handguns has increased significantly. In order to determine the impact of this trend on gunshot mortality, all victims of firearm fatalities subjected to medicolegal autopsy in the Stockholm area 1980-81 and 1990-91 were studied. The overall two-year rate increased from 50 to 65, homicides and suicides contributing seven new cases each; accidents and "not determined" comprising only 0 to 2 cases in each period. Suicides were four times as common as homicides in the former period; ca. three times as common in the latter. Thus, a 70% increase in homicidal shooting has occurred (from 10 to 17), and the fatal use of illegal firearms increased from 50% to 93%. As expected, there was a definite male dominance (96%) among perpetrators as well as among victims (85%). Concerning suicides, the rate in the latter period was 18% above that in the former; illegal guns were used in 30% in 1990-91 as compared to 20% 1980-81. The pattern of wounding in suicides was similar to that reported in earlier studies; confirming that entrance wounds in the back, extremities and lower abdomen are indicative of homicide. Thus, common sense knowledge of firearm fatalities are confirmed: More widespread access to illegal weapons conveys a higher rate of gunshot fatalities. The perpetrator is likely to be male. Suicidal shots are usually aimed at the head (mouth, temple, forehead) or precordium. Most gunshot suicides are committed by means of legally possessed firearms.