Significance of nuchal cord

Perinatal events of 180 babies with nuchal cord (umbilical cord entanglement around foetal neck) over one year have been studied. The incidence of nuchal cord was 5.74% of all hospital deliveries. More than one third (39%) of them had tight nuchal cord (TNC) and 61% had loose nuchal cord (LNC). Babies with TNC were more frequently met with foetal distress (51%), prolonged second stage (11%), non-toxaemic accidental haemorrhage (7%) and operative delivery (56%) when compared to babies with LNC and controls (without nuchal cord). Nearly one fourth (24%) of the babies with TNC were born as small for date, had birth asphyxia (61%) and 8.5% died during perinatal period. Perinatal outcome was adversely affected by TNC in comparison to LNC and controls.     

Effects on cattle of transport by road for up to 15 hours

Twenty-four castrated male cattle aged between 12 and 18 months were transported by road for five, 10 or 15 hours, over distances of 286, 536 and 738 km. Half the animals were of Hereford x Friesian breeding and half of 'continental' type. The animals transported for five hours lost 4.6 per cent of their bodyweight, those transported for 10 hours lost 6.5 per cent and those transported for 15 hours lost 7.0 per cent; recovery to pre-transport values took five days. There was little evidence from changes in blood composition that a 15-hour journey was more stressful than a 10-hour journey. The cortisol concentrations were increased by the stresses of loading and the first part of the journey but then recovered as the journey continued. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities increased progressively with the longer journeys and CPK, urea, albumin and osmolality levels recovered more slowly after the longer journeys. Increases in free fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate and urea concentrations and the continued increase in urea levels after the end of the journeys suggested that the animals' normal pattern of feeding was disrupted. Increases in albumin, total plasma protein and osmolality indicated slight dehydration during transit which was quickly rectified by access to water. The two breed types responded similarly to transport, except that the increases in CPK were greater in the continental breeds, possibly as a result of their greater muscularity or greater sensitivity to stress. Based on the physiological measurements made and the subjective observations of behaviour a 15-hour transport period under good conditions is not unacceptable from the viewpoint of animal welfare.     

Modification of method for determination of medium-molecular peptides and its application in pediatric surgery

Taking into account clinical significance of determination of medium-molecular peptides' concentration in various surgical diseases and limitation of blood sampling in children, modification of the method for determination of medium-molecular peptides in blood serum is proposed, which requires 0.1 ml of serum and is based on deproteinization of cooled ethanol followed by spectrophotometry of peptide solution at 210 nm. Comparison study of the results of examination by this method and routine one was carried out. Specificity and advantages of the suggested modification are discussed.     

Electrophysiological technique for evaluating lesions of the conus medullaris and cauda equina

The authors describe the use of evoked electromyographic responses recorded in the anal sphincter induced by stimulation of the bladder wall and urethra in evaluating lesions of the conus medullaris and cauda equina in 110 patients. This reflex response took effect by way of the pelvic nerves and cauda equina to the sacral cord where the pudendal nerve nucleus was activated, resulting in a contraction of the external anal sphincter. Various lesions along this pathway have been shown to produce either increased latencies and depressed responses or complete loss of response depending on the extent of the lesion. The correlation of results of this technique with clinical, myelographic, and operative findings indicate it to be a useful clinical tool.     

Results of electroacupuncture

A series of 37 patients with Gorlin's syndrome is described; 23 had the typical naevi, 19 had jaw cysts and only 10 had both. A wide range of associated deformities was noted. The need for early identification of patients at risk is stressed; follow-up is essential for 2 reasons: The naevi although indistinguishable histologically from basal cell carcinomas only rarely require radical removal. The jaw cysts are locally invasive and should be radically removed when small. In 8 patients examined there was a low level of alpha-globulins in the plasma. Spontaneous involution of the naevi may occur in un-irradiated skin.     

A, B and H substances in the saliva of dogs

The development of a device for determining two point discrimination is described. Prongs of metal set apart by distances ranging from 2 mm to 25 mm protrude from the periphery of a metal disc and permit speedier evaluation than that achieved by conventional methods. The instrument weighs a standard twenty grams and so a constant pressure is applied to whichever prongs are employed.