Survey of dirofilariasis in Arkansas

A card survey was sent to 340 veterinarians in the Urban, Delta, Highland and Coastal Plain regions of Arkansas. Veterinarians were asked to indicate numbers of dogs tested, confirmed Dirofilaria immitis positive, diagnostic techniques, frequency and period tested. A significantly greater percentage of dogs tested D. immitis positive in the Delta region as compared with the Urban region. There were no significant differences in the percentage of treated dogs on prophylaxis or the types of diagnostic tests among regions.     

Log-linear allometry of fetal craniofacial growth in Down's syndrome

Trisomy 21 develops as a result of nondisjunction of two homologous chromosomes during either the first or second meiotic division. One of the more important consequences of these genetic alterations is the predictable, although variable disturbance in the architecture of the craniofacial region [1]. Postnatal craniofacial morphology has been extensively studied in Down's syndrome (DS). However, little information is available on human prenatal development of the head and face in such patients. The time at which changes in craniofacial phenotype first emerge in Down's syndrome fetuses and at which physical growth begins to diverge from normal is unknown. To explore these questions, we compared prenatal craniofacial growth in 50 Down's syndrome fetuses with that of 555 fetuses judged to be "typical for body weight and age" using the method of log-linear allometry [2].     

The primary aortoenteric fistula in The Netherlands--the unpublished cases

OBJECTIVE: Primary aortoenteric fistula is a rare disorder of which only four patients have been reported in the Dutch literature so far. The objective of our study was to obtain more realistic figures on the incidence of this condition, with data on the clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, treatment and results in a group of patients not previously reported as "case histories". METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all surgical clinics in The Netherlands. Out of 180 questionnaires, 102 have been returned reporting 27 patients to which data of eight others treated in our own institution were added. RESULTS: In all but one of these 29 patients the fistula was caused by an atherosclerotic aneurysm, the one exception being caused by an ingested cocktail pin. Gastrointestinal haemorrhage was the predominant symptom, being present in 28 of the patients, while the complete triad of haemorrhage, pain and a pulsating mass was found in only eight patients. Twenty-seven patients were treated with an in situ graft of which 14 are doing well at long term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Primary aortoenteric fistula is far more common than one would expect from the number of patients reported in literature. A high index of suspicion based on a complete physical examination remains the key to a correct diagnosis. Direct closure of the intestine and in situ grafting of the aorta is the treatment of first choice.     

Effects of morphine and halothane anesthesia on coronary blood flow

This study was undertaken to determine the relative effects of morphine and halothane anesthesia on coronary blood flow. Right heart bypass was instituted in 20 dogs by draining the vena cava blood into a cardiotomy reservoir and returning it to the main pulmonary artery. Coronary sinus drainage was measured by a right ventricular cannula. Group I (10 dogs) was sequentially given 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% halothane. Group II (10 dogs) was given 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg per kilogram of morphine intravenously. Arterial pressure, coronary sinus blood flow, cardiac output, arterial pH, PCO2, and PO2 were determined and repeated at each dose level of anesthesia and compared to the control values. Morphine significantly increased coronary flow at 3, 4, and 5 mg/kg without pressure adjustment and at 2 mg/kg after pressure adjustment. Coronary flow with halothane was unchanged from control values except for a decrease at 2.5%. Coronary flow was significantly greater with 3, 4, and 5 mg/kg of morphine than with 1.0 and 1.5% halothane.     

The incompetent palatopharynegeal sphincter. President''s address

The effect of red (660 nm) and far-red (730 nm) light on the stability of the yeast Candida guilliermondii to lethal u.v. radiation has been studied. Reactivation and protection were exhibited for 30 min after treatment with red light and were abolished by far-red exposure applied within this time period. The temperature dependence of the reactivation effect was also studied. The data obtained showed that the properties of recovery and protection against u.v. exposure are associated with the phytochrome system of the yeast.     

Treatment of antral and duodenal bleeding ulcers by Guevara's catheter

The catheter is based on the principle of compression and tamponage, assuring and guaranteeing hemostasis at the base of the ulcer. This method is suitable for permanently controlling an acute hemorrhage in the event medical treatment fails and surgery is contraindicated. Emergency surgery is changed to elective surgery with all its advantages.     

Occurrence of gastric ulcer after Nissen fundoplication

Of 160 patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication for treatment of symptomatic peptic reflux esophagitis, five patients (3.1%) developed gastric ulcers. Four of these five patients experienced the "gas-bloat" syndrome. All ulcers were located on the lesser curvature of the stomach. Analyses of our experience with use of various types of hiatal hernia repair suggests that creation of the valvuloplastic mechanism unique to the Nissen procedure may be of etiologic significance in the development of gastric ulcers following this procedure.