Neuronal responses in visual areas MT and MST during smooth pursuit target selection

We recorded the activity of single neurons in the middle temporal (MT) and middle superior temporal (MST) visual areas in two macaque monkeys while the animals performed a smooth pursuit target selection task. The monkeys were presented with two moving stimuli of different colors and were trained to initiate smooth pursuit to the stimulus that matched the color of a previously given cue. We designed these experiments so that we could separate the component of the neuronal response that was driven by the visual stimulus from an extraretinal component that predicted the color or direction of the selected target. We found that for all cells in MT and MST the response was primarily determined by the visual stimulus. However, 14% (8 of 58) of MT neurons and 26% (22 of 84) of MST neurons had a small predictive component that was significant at the P < or = 0.05 level. In some cells, the predictive component was clearly related to the color of the intended target, but more often it was correlated with the direction of the target. We have previously documented a systematic shift in the latency of smooth pursuit that depends on the relative direction of motion of the two stimuli. We found that neither the latency nor the amplitude of neuronal responses in MT or MST was correlated with behavioral latency. These results are consistent with a model for target selection in which a weak selection bias for the intended target is amplified by a competitive network that suppresses motion signals related to the nonintended stimulus. It is possible that the predictive component of neuronal responses in MT and MST contributes to the selection bias. However, the strength of the selection bias in MT and MST is not sufficient to account for the high degree of selectivity shown by pursuit behavior.     

The efficacy of recombinant vaccines against hepatitis B and the results of their use in a schedule for pediatric prophylactic inoculations

The results of field clinical trials of Russian and American yeast vaccines against hepatitis B are presented. The study revealed that both vaccines were faintly reactogenic, safe and exhibited high immunological activity. After the full course of immunization following the schedule 0-1-2 months 92.5% and 97.5% of patients receiving, respectively. Russian vaccine "Combiotech" and American vaccine "H-B-Vax II" were found to have specific antibodies. The maximum effect was registered when the vaccines were introduced according to the schedule 0-1-6 months. Seroconversions were observed in 97.5% and 100% of the vaccinees receiving the Russian and American vaccines respectively, in the latter case the highest antibody level being observed. The use of the vaccines within the prophylactic immunization schedule showed that antibodies to hepatitis B appeared in immunized children in 93-100% of cases. Seroconversion indices and the levels of antibodies to diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles were statistically significant and were the same in children receiving only the vaccines according to the immunization schedule and in children immunized, in addition to these vaccines, against hepatitis B.     

Myocardial revascularisation in elderly patients with refractory or unstable angina and advanced coronary disease

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with ischaemic heart disease are often treated more conservatively and for longer than younger patients, but this strategy may result in subsequent invasive intervention of more advanced and higher risk coronary disease. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 109 patients aged > or = 70 years (mean age 74 years, 66% men), who presented with angina refractory to maximal medical treatment or unstable angina over a 2-year period (1988-1990), to compare the relative risks and benefits of myocardial revascularisation [coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)] in this higher-risk age group. RESULTS: Sixty patients underwent CABG and 49 patients PTCA. There were eight periprocedural deaths in total (six in the CABG group, and two in the PTCA group, P = 0.29). Six patients in the CABG group suffered a cerebrovascular accident (two fatal). Acute Q-wave myocardial infarction occurred in one patient in the CABG group and in two patients in the PTCA group. The length of hospital stay was longer for the CABG group (CABG group 11.4 +/- 5.4 days, range 7-30 days, PTCA group 7.4 +/- 7.6 days, range 1-39 days, P = 0.01). Outcome was assessed using the major cardiac event rate (MACE; i.e. the rate of death, myocardial infarction, repeat CABG or PTCA). The cumulative event-free survival in the CABG group in 1, 2 and 3 years was 87, 85 and 85%, respectively. In contrast, in the PTCA group it was 55, 48 and 48% (P = 0.0001). Age, sex, number of diseased vessels, degree of revascularisation and left ventricular function were not predictive of the recurrence of angina in both groups. Actuarial survival (total mortality, including perioperative mortality) was lower at 1 year in the CABG group due to the higher perioperative mortality, but similar in both groups after the second year (P = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with refractory or unstable angina who are revascularised surgically have a better long-term outcome (less frequent event rate of the composite end-point--myocardial infarction, revascularisation procedures and death) compared with those who are revascularised with PTCA. This benefit is been realised after the second year. Total mortality is similar in both groups after the second year. Therefore elderly patients who are fit for surgery should not be denied the benefits of CABG. PTCA may be regarded as a complementary and satisfactory treatment, especially for those whose life expectancy is limited to less than 2 years. The use of stents may improve outcome in the PTCA group and this needs to be evaluated.     

Ceftriaxone in treatment of streptococcal endocarditis

The authors studied efficacy and safety of ceftriaxone given intravenously for 3-4 weeks in a dose 2-4 g/day to patients with streptococcal endocarditis (SE). Of them, 8, 8 and 1 patients were infected with Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pneumococcus, respectively. Hospital trial and follow-up lasted up to 2 years. Cure without surgical correction occurred in 7 patients, valvular replacement was needed in 4 patients, 1 patient died, 4 patients developed recurrences 3 and more months after therapy with ceftriaxone. The drug was safe and well tolerated. 33% of the patients were discharged from hospital with obvious improvement after 2-3 week treatment to continue it outpatiently for 1-2 weeks.     

Restriction polymorphism of the APOB locus in residents of the city of Tomsk

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the apolipoprotein B locus was investigated in the population of Tomsk. The frequencies of alleles and haplotypes of polymorphic restriction sites XbaI, MspI, and EcoRI were determined. The parameters of linkage disequilibrium and polymorphism information content (PIC) were estimated. Comparative data on various regions of the world are shown.     

Central nervous system cryptococcosis: parenchymal calcification and large gelatinous pseudocysts

In an 11-year-old immunocompetent girl with protracted cryptococcal infection of the central nervous system, CT showed multiple areas of parenchymal calcification. MR imaging showed large gelatinous pseudocysts around the brain stem. These imaging features and the child's age are unusual for intracranial cryptococcosis.     

The current course and treatment of infectious endocarditis

Clinical study of 172 patients treated in the Burdenko Military Hospital for subacute infectious endocarditis in 1980-1996 compared with 192 cases in 1950-1979. Contemporary course of the disease is attended by a few symptoms, primordiality and single-valve affection. On the grounds of antibiotics sensitivity of the most prevalent infection agents discovered in 1996, the article develops some schemes of antibacterial therapy for Streptococcus, Enterococcus and staphylococcal etiology of disease. Rational antibiotic therapy together with surgery measures reduced lethality to 14.3% for Streptococcus endocarditis, to 16.7%--for Enterococcus and to 34.4%--for Staphylococcus.     

The spectrum of respiratory disease associated with exposure to metal working fluids

Occupational respiratory diseases have been reported following exposure to metal working fluids. We report a spectrum of respiratory illnesses occurring in an outbreak in 30 workers of an automobile parts engine manufacturing plant. Workers presented with respiratory complaints and, after clinical and laboratory evaluations, were classified as those having hypersensitivity pneumonitis, occupational asthma, or industrial bronchitis, or those without occupational lung disease. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis affected seven workers, with six exhibiting serum precipitins to Acinetobacter Iwoffii. Occupational asthma and industrial bronchitis affected 12 and six workers, respectively. Oil-mist exposures were below current recommendations. Gram-negative bacteria, but no fungi, Thermophiles, or Legionella, were identified. Although specific agents responsible for each individual case could not be identified, probably both specific sensitizing agents and non-specific irritants from metal working fluids, additives, or contaminants contributed to this spectrum of occupational respiratory illness.     

Permeability of blood-eye barrier in patients with primary glaucoma combined with lens opacity

The paper focuses on the history and sources of origin of sanology as science, with its brief characterization being given, relating to such items as definition, object and subject of investigation, methodological approaches and tasks, with special emphasis being placed on the significance of sanology in the elaboration of general theory of medicine.