The interaction of peripheral blood leukocytes with alpha1-acid glycoprotein, its carbohydrate chains and neoglycoconjugates

The interaction of human peripheral blood leukocytes with alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), its glycoforms as well as neoglyco-conjugates representing carbohydrate chains of AGP or its fragments was studied by flow cytometry. It was shown that the main target cells for AGP as well as for conjugates of its carbohydrate chains with polyacrylamide (PAA) are monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes but not lymphocytes. The interaction of AGP with monocytes and granulocytes are mediated by its carbohydrate chains: the binding of AGP with cells was inhibited by AGP, AGP oligosaccharides as well as conjugates of oligosaccharides and its fragments with PAA. The data obtained show the existence of monocyte (and granulocyte) receptors which interact with complex type sialooligosaccharides of AGP.     

Dysphagia due to cervical spine involvement in ankylosing spondylitis

Here we present a case of a patient with a massive ossification of annulus fibrosus and longitudinal ligament at the level C3-C4, C4-C5 and C5-C6, also called the Van Swaay bridge. One can observe a propulsion of the pharingeal tissue at the level of the massive Van Swaay bridge between C5 and C6 which caused pressure and dysphagia.     

Isolated ovarian polyarteritis nodosa

Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare disorder and a form of systemic vasculitis. A 48 year-old female was admitted to the hospital because menorrhagia and pelvic pain in February 1993. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy resulting in a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for myoma of uterus and a right adnexal cystic mass. Histopathologic examination revealed left ovarian periarteritis nodosa. Further investigation and 9 months follow-up failed to show any systemic involvement. To our knowledge the isolated ovarian polyarteritis nodosa is the first case in the literature.     

Gambling in Norway: An obscure activity?

Suggests that it is difficult to get an exact account of gambling behavior in Norway. It appears that gambling behavior in Norway has increased 50% during the observed 5-yr period. Little is known about the prevalence of problematic gambling. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Problems in the hygienic rationalization of the therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition of industrial workers

Based on generalization and analysis of instructions and guidelines for therapeutical and prophylactic diets of workers, ways of its optimization were proposed, by using bifide-containing acid dairy products as a preventive agent against possible occupational diseases caused by occupational factors.     

Design flaw can convert commercially available continuous syringe pumps to intermittent bolus injectors

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if unexpected behaviour of neonatal and paediatric patients connected to syringe pumps could be explained by transient elevation of these devices. DESIGN: Five different commercially available syringe-pumps were set at an infusion rate of 1 ml/h and then subjected to a vertical displacement manoeuvre (height 1 m). The actual delivered infusion volumes in association with the displacement manoeuvre were measured by a high precision weight scale connected to a computer. SETTING: A medical technology laboratory in a university hospital. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Elevation of the devices resulted in a rapid bolus injection of 0.19-2.28 ml. Returning the devices to their original positions resulted in an aspiration into the system of 0.06-0.34 ml. The times both for bolus injection and for aspiration into the system were less than 1 min in all cases. The updown manoeuvre was followed by a period with zero infusion ranging from 8 to 105 min. CONCLUSIONS: Design flaws in the construction of syringe pumps can expose patients to substantial danger following vertical displacement if potent drugs are being infused. If potent drugs are infused, care should be taken not to change the vertical position of the syringe pump even for short periods of time. Before buying new equipment, the authors recommend that the delivery characteristics of these devices should not only be tested during ordinary bench testing but should also include the reaction to a vertical displacement manoeuvre.