Studies of the extinction of avoidance responding through the massing of trials.

Performed 2 experiments in an automated 1-way avoidance box for rats. Exp. I, with 44 Sprague-Dawley female albino rats, was concerned with the effect of shock intensity on the rate of extinction using the massing-of-trials technique during extinction. Most measures of avoidance learning were not affected by shock intensity, and the rate of extinction was also not significantly affected. Exp. II, with 44 Ss similar to those in Exp. I, examined the effect of the duration of the extinction ITI on the rate of extinction. A critical duration is suggested by results. (French summary) (15 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Errata.

Reports an error in "Alpha-adrenergic receptors in hypothalamus for the suppression of feeding behavior by satiety" by D. L. Margules (Journal of Comparative & Physiological Psychology, 1970[Oct], Vol 73[1], 1-12; see record 1971-03588-001). On page 3, paragraph 1 of the Method section, the angle of implantation of cannulas was 6° from the perpendicular; in paragraph 2 of the Method section, the following sentence was omitted: All rats were maintained on a reversed dark-light cycle (lights off at 0800 hr. and on at 2000 hr. EST) and were drugged in the dark. On page 10, paragraph 6, line 10 of the Discussion section, "abolishes" should read "enhances." In "Precocious mating in male rats following treatment with androgen or estrogen" by Michael J. Baum (Journal of Comparative & Physiological Psychology, 1972[Mar], Vol. 78[3], 356-367; see record 1972-22393-001), on page 367 the date of receipt should read August 24, 1970. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cytomorphometric markers for uterine cancer in intermediate cells

Precise microphotometric assessment of intermediate cells from patients with normal cervical cytology and from patients with dysplasia or carcinoma in situ shows the existence of small but consistent differences. Marker features for the presence of premalignant and malignant disease can be extracted from the cell images of "normal"-appearing intermediate cells. The marker features and their diagnostic classification potential are described.     

Haemorrhagic syndrome after massive transfusion of blood for traumatic liver rupture: disseminated intravascular coagulation? (Author''s transl)

The rate of control of thyrotoxicosis during the first 2 weeks of treatment was documented in 63 patients. Twenty-three patients received carbimazole 40 mg plus lithium carbonate 750 mg daily and a comparable group of 20 patients were given carbimazole 40 mg plus potassium iodide 120 mg daily. In the lithium treated patients the mean percentage fall of serum T4 after 2 weeks treatment was 49% and the fall in serum T3 57%. The results were similar in the iodide treated patients; the mean falls in serum T4 and T3 being 47% and 64%, respectively. Serum lithium values varied between 0.1-1.25 mEq./l; lithium side effects were minor. In a companion study 20 patients were treated with carbimazole alone. The responses in this group were less impressive; the mean falls in serum T4 and T3 at 2 weeks being 18% and 36%, respectively. It is concluded that lithium is a safe adjunct to conventional antithyroid drug therapy in the initial treatment of acute thyrotoxicosis.     

Quantitative evaluation of somatotrophic cells (SC) in the adenohypophysis of normal and diabetic male Chinese hamsters

Free amino acid determinations in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Parkinson's disease or other extrapyramidal disorders showed that in both groups most amino acids were increased. Significantly increased amino acids were neutral and basic amino acids. Amino acid clusters were present and corresponded with the grouping of amino acids in accordance with amino acid transport systems. The amino acids within the clusters showed a remarkable degree of correlation, and there was a notable correlation between the clusters both in the parkinsonian group and in the group of extrapyramidal disorders, but not in a control group. Our data suggest that in a number of extrapyramidal disorders, Parkinson's disease included, a more generalized abnormality exists than neuronal loss only and, in addition, that patients with these neurologic conditions have a common biochemical defect in their amino acid transport systems.     

Effects of amphetamine and haloperidol on avoidance behavior and exploratory activity

The effect of graded doses of D-amphetamine and haloperidol were tested on retention of a one trial learning passive avoidance response, on extinction of pole-jumping active avoidance behavior and on open-field activity. Low doses of amphetamine (10 microgram/animal) increased passive avoidance latency when given s.c. 1 h prior to the retention test. Higher doses (20 and 1000 microgram/animal) caused a bimodal distribution of avoidance latencies. Haloperidol (0.03 or 1.0 microgram/animal) significantly attenuated passive avoidance behavior. Amphetamine caused a delay of extinction of pole-jumping avoidance behavior in a dose-dependent manner (10, 30 or 90 microgram per rat). Conversely, haloperidol induced a dose-dependent facilitation of extinction (0.03 or 0.1 microgram per rat). Open-field activity was not significantly affected by 30 microgram amphetamine or 0.03 microgram haloperidol; 90 microgram amphetamine significantly increased rearing activity and 0.1 microgram haloperidol decreased ambulation. The data show that passive and active avoidance behavior are sensitive measures to test the activity of psychomotor stimulant and neuroleptic drugs. Exploratory behavior allows more specific behavioral effects to be dissociated from locomotor influences.     

Primary sternal osteomyelitis presenting as a pleural-based mass

Osteomyelitis in uncommon locations can present unusual diagnostic difficulties. A patient with primary sternal osteomyelitis who presented with pain over the right supraclavicular area and a radiologic picture of a pleural-based right upper lung mass is discussed. A triple-phase bone scan was consistent with the diagnosis, and a needle aspiration of the mass revealed a staphylococcal abscess. Percutaneous drainage of the contiguous abscess and a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy cured the infection.