Different immunological mechanisms contribute to cartilage destruction in antigen-induced arthritis

Antigen-induced arthritis in guinea pigs was used as a model to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for cartilage destruction in chronic joint inflammation. The activation of macrophages, their effects on cartilage metabolism, and the development of autoimmunity to cartilage constituents were studied during the progression of arthritis. The results show that in arthritic animals the macrophages are systemically activated, with a peak in the early phase of inflammation. Interleukin 1, produced by the activated cells, suppresses the proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage explants and cultured chondrocytes and increases the proliferation of the cells in vitro. During the progression of arthritis humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to collagen type II and cartilage proteoglycans occur correlating with the severity of arthritis. It is concluded that different immunological mechanisms may be involved in cartilage destruction during antigen-induced arthritis. Mediator-induced metabolic reactions dominate in the early phase, whereas autoimmunity to cartilage might play an essential role in later phases of arthritis.     

Myxomas of the mandible and maxilla

Two cases of congenital absence of a cervical vertebral pedicle are reported. This condition includes hypoplasia of the ipsilateral posterior arch and may predispose to spinal cord injury. The radiographic and computed tomography (CT) findings are reviewed, and the importance of the ipsilateral oblique radiographic view and of CT in diagnosis is stressed.     

Synthesis of lithium aluminate,mullite and coloured zirconia by a combustion process

Also with the Department of Agronomy.     

Basic fibroblast growth factor as one of the essential factors regulating lens transdifferentiation of pigmented epithelial cells

In vitro transdifferentiation of retinal pigmented epithelial cells of the chick embryo into lens cells can be markedly enhanced by culture in the presence of testicular hyaluronidase and phenylthiourea. Since the commercial preparations of hyaluronidase that had previously been used were very crude, a search for the actual effective molecule(s) enhancing lens transdifferentiation was conducted. First, we purified the enzyme and tested the effect of the purified hyaluronidase. Highly purified hyaluronidase itself did not enhance lens transdifferentiation. The crude hyaluronidase was then separated according to affinity with heparin, considering the possibility that the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is contained in the crude hyaluronidase. Transdifferentiation-enhancing activity was detected in the fraction which was bound to heparin and eluted with 2 M NaCl, where no hyaluronate-degrading activity existed. Analysis of the fraction by SDS-PAGE revealed the existence of an 18 kDa protein whose NH2-terminal sequence was identical to that of basic FGF. The basic FGF derived from bovine brain also enhanced lens transdifferentiation of pigmented epithelial cells. These findings suggest that basic FGF must play a major role in enhancing transdifferentiation of pigmented epithelial cells to lens cells.     

Performance of advanced resuscitation skills by pediatric housestaff

OBJECTIVE: To describe pediatric housestaff resuscitation experience and their ability to perform key resuscitation skills. DESIGN: Cohort study of 63 pediatric residents in a university-based training program. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Investigators observed, scored, and timed resident performance on 4 key resuscitation skills. Cognitive ability was tested with 4 written scenarios. Housestaff provided self-reports of the number of months since their last American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support course, number of mock and actual codes attended, number of times skills were performed, and self-confidence with respect to resuscitation. RESULTS: A total of 45 pediatric residents (71%) participated. Median cognitive score was 5 (range, 1-5). Of all residents, 44 (97%) successfully bag mask-ventilated the mannequin; 24 (53%) and 36 (80%) used the correct bag and mask size, respectively. Thirty-nine residents (87%) placed a tube in the mannequin trachea, 12 (27%) checked that suction was working prior to intubation, and 30 (67%) chose the correct endotracheal tube size. Forty residents (89%) discharged the defibrillator, and 25 (56%) and 32 (71%) correctly chose asynchronous mode and infant paddles, respectively. Thirty-eight residents (84%) inserted an intraosseous line; 35 (78%) had correct placement. Median times for successful skill completion were 83 seconds for bag mask ventilation, 136 seconds for intubation, 149 seconds for defibrillation, and 68 seconds for intraosseous line placement. CONCLUSION: Pediatric housestaff previously trained in pediatric advanced life support were generally able to reach the end point of 4 key resuscitation skills but less frequently performed the specific subcomponents of each skill. This poor performance and the prolonged time to skill completion suggest the need for greater attention to detail during training.