Total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein levels as risk factors for increased intraocular pressure

PURPOSE: To determine whether high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels were risk factors for increased intraocular pressure in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. METHODS: We measured total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio in 25 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who had taken no glaucoma medications for four weeks. We individually matched these patients to 25 control subjects who had no history of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, on the basis of age, race, gender, and history of vascular disease or diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: We found no statistical difference in the high-density lipoprotein (P = .702) or total cholesterol (P = .177) levels or total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio between groups (P = .178, paired t test). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that increased high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels are not risk factors for increased intraocular pressure.     

Isolated hyperthermia chemotherapy perfusion for limb melanoma

Safe techniques for regional chemotherapy of the limbs by perfusion are now available. The method is effective in obtaining regionally confined high levels of toxic drugs or chemotherapeutic agents in the isolated areas. The best responses have been observed in limb melanoma with recurrent or intransit disease. Chemotherapy by perfusion as an adjunct to surgical excision reduces the local recurrence and the regional and lymph node metastases. Our survivals for adjunctive perfusion for Stage I melanomas with Level V and lesions 5 mm thick and thicker are better than usually reported. Regional chemotherapy has had an important role in reduction of major amputations for the control of limb melanoma. Multiple chemotherapeutic limb perfusions can further extent survival in patients with recurring melanoma.     

Current airway clearance techniques

In recent times, airway clearance has become an increasingly important part of the treatment of patients with excessive bronchial secretions, especially those with cystic fibrosis. The number of airway clearance techniques available has also grown considerably, becoming increasingly more specific. This has allowed patients a greater choice of treatment techniques and has led to a subsequent rise in independence. This paper gives a brief overview of the methods of airway clearance currently being used by physiotherapists in New Zealand. To date, no one method has been shown to be more effective than another. It is imperative therefore, that those involved in respiratory care have a clear understanding of the airway clearance techniques available. This will allow us to provide out patients with the best possible treatment option.     

A State Language for the Sequencing in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle

The application of a state language to the real-time control of a hybrid electric vehicle is explained. The state language has been developed both as a specification aid to the system designer and as a means for the programmer to produce microcomputer software. A translator program, which was developed on a VAX minicomputer, preprocesses the state language into a software module to be compiled by the standard Intel PL/M 86 compiler.     

Vestitol: A phytoalexin with insect feeding-deterrent activity

A major feeding deterrent forCostelytra zealandica larvae was isolated from the root of the resistant pasture legumeLotus pedunculatus and was identified as 3R-(—)-vestitol. This compound was also identified in feeding deterrent-activeL. pedunculatus leaf extracts. (—)-Vestitol and a secondLotus isoflavan, sativan, have been reported to have phytoalexin activity, and the implications of this for the study and understanding of insect resistance are briefly discussed.